Dual Subordination Cannot Exist in the Army: Suren Papikyan

The order of the Minister of Defense has been modified, and the nature of service has changed. The claims that spiritual service has been suspended in the army are incorrect. Spiritual service can continue in the army; they just need to be subordinate to the military's moral and psychological department. This was stated by Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan during a briefing with journalists in the National Assembly.

"Dual subordination cannot exist in the army," he noted.

In response to a journalist's remark that priests who have been dismissed have been offered a salary of 700,000 drams to work as chaplains, Papikyan stated, "I cannot specify the amount of salary at this moment, but the ministerial order we published clarifies that we can sign a contract with ministers who have spiritual education from the Armenian Apostolic Church to serve and fulfill their mission."

When journalists reacted to the claim that priests were offered money to join Prime Minister Pashinyan's authored 'Church Restoration Program,' Suren Papikyan replied, "That is false; such a thing does not exist. Everything is public."

When asked whether the Ministry of Defense could make such a decision without coordinating with Garegin II, the minister replied, "All institutions in Armenia are functioning. Let them appeal, take it to court if that is the case. I do not believe that is the case; I disagree with them. All my actions are lawful and appropriate."

It’s worth mentioning that the Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan made a post on his social media page, publishing the order that regulates the organization of spiritual service in the armed forces.