Claims of Selling Church Property in Military Units Are Misleading, Says Civilnet

Civic.am published an article on January 30 titled "Ktrich Nersisyan Ordered to Sell Church Property in Military Units: Exclusive". It purportedly reveals an internal correspondence among military chaplains that indicates Ktrich Nersisyan has instructed the sale of church property located in military units, according to Civic.am.

The website claims that by misrepresenting the Defense Minister's order, an attempt is being made to remove clergy from the armed forces, reports Civilnet.

“Internal correspondence among chaplains has come to light, clearly revealing that Ktrich Nersisyan has instructed to sell church property in military units,” Civic.am wrote, publishing a screenshot of the correspondence as evidence.

What the Catholicos Actually Ordered
Defense Minister Suren Papikyan signed an order stating that as of February 1, the spiritual leadership of the Armenian Armed Forces and the activities of clergy appointed by the Armenian Apostolic Church within the Ministry of Defense would cease. From now on, spiritual services will be coordinated by the Main Staff's Moral and Psychological Department and will be conducted under the authority of the unit commander.

The correspondence published by Civic.am includes instructions for how to handle property belonging to the spiritual leadership in relation to the cessation of spiritual services in military units. It initially states that by February 1, it is essential to remove property belonging to the Spiritual Leadership from military units, chapels, and churches, prioritizing church valuables and items (such as chalices, incense burners, and other church artifacts, as well as crosses purchased by the Spiritual Leadership).

It is noted that this property must be transferred to the Mother See because there is no capacity for storage. Following that, it adds: “As for household appliances and other items, to avoid significant transportation costs, it is advisable to try to sell them on-site and either transfer the received amount to the leadership or suggest other suitable solutions.”

Thus, it is evident from the published screenshot that the sale refers not to all church property but only to the potential sale of household appliances and non-ceremonial items.

The Church Does Not Find Civic's Claims "Exclusive"
In a conversation with CivilNet, Father Esayi Kahaneyan, Director of the Information Department of the Mother See, stated that there is nothing extraordinary in the notification directed to the chaplains. According to him, since the spiritual leadership service is ceasing in the Armed Forces, the chaplains were simply notified to remove property belonging to the spiritual leadership.

Regarding the sale of household appliances and items, Father Esayi Kahaneyan clarified that it concerns the personal property of the clergy. “A chaplain has purchased household items for his living quarters at the place where he has served, such as a refrigerator or other equipment; this is about their personal or household items,” said Father Esayi Kahaneyan.

Thus, Civic.am's assertion that the Catholicos instructed to sell church property is misleading. Even from the attached screenshot, it becomes clear that it pertains only to the potential sale of household appliances and non-ceremonial items.

Earlier, Auroranews referenced Civic.am stating that Ktrich Nersisyan ordered the sale of church property located in military units, noting that internal correspondence among chaplains had been obtained, revealing that Ktrich Nersisyan had ordered the sale.