Father Ararat: silence is a sign of wisdom

PanARMENIAN.Net - In response to recent public criticism of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Father Ararat Poghosyan stated that “silence is a sign of wisdom.” He expressed this view in a Facebook post.

The statement comes after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan questioned Catholicos Karekin II’s silence regarding allegations of breaking the celibacy vow and fathering a child. Pashinyan’s post suggested that the public expects an explanation.

Father Ararat condemned the prime minister’s remarks, describing them as baseless accusations lacking evidence, legal process, or ethical standards. He asserted that such statements undermine the honor and authority of the Church, which is constitutionally separate from the state.

He emphasized that the Church has its own canon law, disciplinary bodies, and long-established procedures for addressing internal matters. The Catholicos is not a public official to be compelled into public justification through political rhetoric, he argued.

The priest further stated that Pashinyan’s approach appears more about shaping truth for political gain than genuinely seeking it. True truth, he wrote, requires legality, moral responsibility, and respect for institutions.

He reminded that the faithful have the right to:

• See their leader respect the historic Church,
• Trust that no personal animosity is behind political actions against the spiritual institution,
• Live in a society where Church-State boundaries are respected.

He called for an end to public provocations undermining the Catholicos and the Church, urging respect for the spiritual rights of believers.

He concluded: “Silence is not always a sign of agreement. Sometimes you are silent because arguing is pointless. Or because you were raised not to quarrel. Or because you do not need to assert yourself. Silence is a sign of wisdom. Always.” (Anonymous)