Father Taron Declared Laicized

On November 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, through the following justifications, declared Father Taron Hunanian of the Tavush Diocese laicized.

The basis for this decision stemmed from the report of the diocesan vicar of Tavush and the conclusions of the commission on rewards and disciplinary issues of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which stated the following:

1. He voluntarily abandoned his place of service since May 2024,
2. Ignored the recommendations and instructions of the diocesan vicar, and was involved in a continuous state of disobedience,
3. Participated in an anti-canonical ceremony organized by Stepany Asatryan, becoming an accomplice to the laicized individual,
4. Publicly discredited the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and fellow clergymen through speeches and statements,
5. Displayed disrespectful behavior towards the highest ecclesiastical authority and broke his vow of obedience.

The laicized clergyman will henceforth be classified among the laypersons under the name Vardan Hunanian.

Mother See