The Removal of the Catholicos is a Matter of Hours: Vahagn Aleksanyan

Deputy Vahagn Aleksanyan from the ruling Civil Contract faction stated in an interview with NEWS.am that the theme of church reform was discussed during the Prime Minister's meeting with the episcopates.

Responding to the remark that the Prime Minister discussed the issue of breaches of the monastic vow with clerics about whom there are also similar reports in the media, Aleksanyan said he was not aware of such information. According to him, until now, opposition groups insisted that church issues should not be mentioned, yet now they are targeting those clerics who, in his opinion, stand against defilement.

The deputy added that the opposition had not previously raised issues regarding the church's moral state. “Did you just remember that there are those who violate the monastic vow? Why are you changing your rhetoric?” he noted.

Aleksanyan also responded to the question of how the results of the examination of a video concerning Bishop Arshak had reached the clergy: “I cannot say, but I would react normally if state bodies have collaborated with the church's special commission.”

He insisted that the government has not divided the church. He stated that the issues are related to cases of sacrilege and that there are also other matters being discussed within the church.

Aleksanyan declared that the removal of the Catholicos is “a matter of hours,” emphasizing that the majority of dioceses are not ready to continue their path with the person whom he referred to as “defiled.” Regarding the question of what mechanism could lead to the Catholicos's departure from office, the deputy replied, “In the very near future, he will leave of his own accord—by the will of God.”