Mother See Issues Statement

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has issued a statement:

“Recently, unfounded speculations have arisen related to the alleged 'unjust' defrocking during the reign of His Holiness the Catholicos. Exaggerated figures are being published.

The real picture is as follows: during the 26 years of His Holiness Karekin II's leadership, including Stepan Asatryan, Vardan Hunanian, and Aramais Takhmazyan, a total of 101 clergymen have been defrocked, of which:

• 38 left the clergy according to their own request,
• 27 voluntarily left their place of service,
• 15 based on the recommendations presented by diocesan leaders,
• 21 directly by the Catholicos himself.

Moreover, in 2011, an Awards and Disciplinary Issues Committee was established by the initiative and direction of His Holiness to address similar issues related to clergy.

During the 26 years of His Holiness's reign, 491 clergymen have been ordained, who currently serve in Armenia and in the diaspora.”