Opposition MP says more assaults on Church to come

PanARMENIAN.Net - Seyran Ohanyan, head of the Hayastan parliamentary faction, has described the December 18 events at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin as a “national disgrace and moral corruption,” claiming they were incited and directed by “forces that have seized power in Armenia, both internal and external.”

In a Facebook post, Ohanyan warned that further developments and “new assaults on the Church” are imminent.

“The criminal regime, soaked in guilt for committing severe crimes against our state and people, has launched yet another conspiracy against the Armenian Apostolic Church, attempting to undermine one of the core pillars of our statehood and national identity,” he wrote.

He also condemned the betrayal of several high-ranking clergymen and bishops, accusing them of breaking their spiritual vows and betraying their faithful brethren.

In contrast, he praised the dignified words of Catholicos Karekin II, who responded with a call for unity and tolerance in the face of hate and hostility. Ohanyan also commended the Church's spiritual servants and faithful for standing firm during the incident.

“Dear compatriots, it is clear that more developments and new attacks on the Church are ahead, as the ruling group will try at all costs to fulfill this task, which is part of a broader geopolitical conspiracy,” Ohanyan continued.

He called on all Armenians to remain united, avoid provocations, and defend their faith and Church with solidarity and resolve. “History has shown we succeed when we stand together,” he concluded.

On December 18, ten bishops who had called for the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II gathered in Etchmiadzin after meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. They made a brief statement and quickly departed. At the same time, Catholicos Karekin II was leading a religious service inside the Mother Cathedral.

Commenting on the incident, Karekin II stated: “Another attempt to assault Holy Etchmiadzin occurred today, regrettably also through some of our clergy. But the faithful children of our nation remain steadfast and fearless. This noise within the Church can never derail our mission or our plans for the Church’s glory and our nation’s prosperity.”