The Residue of Dishonesty and Desecration Will Not Disappear: Avanesyan on Certain Clergymen

We are planning to attend the mass on Sunday; of course, we unambiguously assess the reaction of our bishops positively, as the residue of dishonesty and desecration in society cannot disappear until there is a clear reaction and response to it. This was stated by the Minister of Health of Armenia, Anahit Avanesyan, in a conversation with journalists at the National Assembly.

“Such blemished phenomena that undermine the foundations of the Church harm the Church,” she added.

In response to the observation that some clergymen who met with Nikol Pashinyan were also known to have engaged in business activities and violated their monastic vows, the Minister said, “Public pressures must be uniform for everyone, and demands should be the same. If you have such facts, speak up. There cannot be any alternative here; if a person violates the rules of the Church, then there must be a response, regardless of who they are.”

Regarding the timeframe for the spiritual gathering promised by the Prime Minister in Ejmiadzin, Avanesyan noted that the Prime Minister did not specify any timeline. “I believe this process is very healing. The spiritual needs of a person and spiritual renewal are very important processes, and participating in the mass has been very positive for all of us,” she stated.

“Spiritual renewal cannot lead to the division of the Church. Does dishonesty and desecration lead to the unity of the Church? In every society, the violation of rules leads to unity, while raising questions leads to division? It is the failure to address issues that brings about collapse when we do not confront reality. There is no division; Armenian society is unified, and the public response clearly shows that our Church needs renewal,” added the Minister of Health of Armenia, Anahit Avanesyan.