Unprecedented Act in History to Break the Order of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karapetyan Says

The leadership of Armenia is ready to cross every sacred line to maintain power. Businessman Samvel Karapetyan stated this in his message sent from the National Security Service’s isolation facility.

"The events of yesterday and the day before have proven my worst predictions. A small group demonstrated that they are literally ready to step over every sanctity. In their bid to maintain power, these people have committed actions unseen in the entire history of the Armenian people, attempting to maliciously break the order of the Armenian Apostolic Church and tarnish the Holy Liturgy with their interference. In doing so, these authorities have taken a new 'step' on the path of national division, earning the condemnation and anger of the entire Armenian nation.

It can be assured that this small group will not stop at attacking our most important national institution—the Mother See—by inflicting blows and discrediting it. However, they must know that we will continue to defend our values and sanctities just as we have done for centuries, as we did yesterday and will do tomorrow. No deprivation can stop our progress towards victory. No imprisonment can break the will of today’s numerous political prisoners—Mikael, Bagrat, and Mkrtich the Holy, dozens of citizens from Gyumri, including Ruben Mkrtichyan, the leader of the 'Our Way' movement in Gyumri, and that of our other friends and colleagues—to live in a country free from tyranny and foreign influence, guided by true Christian values, restoring dignity, and prosperous citizenship in Armenia," Karapetyan wrote.