Moscow watches developments involving Armenian Church

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is closely following developments in Armenia, including those involving the Armenian Apostolic Church and its spiritual center in Echmiadzin. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this statement, as reported by TASS.

“Moscow is closely monitoring developments in Armenia, including the situation surrounding the Armenian Apostolic Church and its spiritual center, Echmiadzin.

We have no habit of interfering in the internal affairs of other states. We sincerely wish for our friendly and brotherly Armenia to maintain stability, uphold legality, and experience stable development.

To achieve this, it is essential to put into practice the democratic values declared by Armenia’s leadership, to respect the feelings of believers, and to uphold the principles of religious freedom,” the ministry stated.

On the morning of June 27, approximately 30 masked individuals stormed the Shirak Diocese. At the time, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, was at the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, attending a scheduled clerical assembly. Armenia’s National Security Service entered the premises to detain Ajapahyan. The archbishop stated he was ready to comply with law enforcement, but after a scuffle, he left with the Catholicos for the residence. He later appeared before the Investigative Committee and was remanded in custody for two months by court order.

Ajapahyan faces criminal charges for “making public calls aimed at usurping power, violating territorial integrity, relinquishing sovereignty, or overthrowing the constitutional order by force.”