November 18, 2008 - 17:38 AMT
AAC condemns Georgian clergy actions in Norashen Church
The Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) condemns the actions of the Georgian clergy in Norashen Church in Tbilisi, head of Holy Echmiadzin's press office, father Vahram Melikyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

"We are hopeful that the Georgian church hierarchy will prevent further "initiatives" of father Tariel Sikinchelashvili," he said.

On November 16, Georgian monk Tariel Sikinchelashvili instructed workers to raze to the ground the graves of Mikhail and Lidia Tamamshev.

This barbarian act outraged Armenians, who demanded to let the graves in their place. However, Father Tariel responded with harsh statements.

Upon arrival of representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church and parliament member Van Bayburt, the Georgian monk said he just wanted to replace the gravestones to "clean under them."

Policemen have filed a formal report about the incident.

A representative of Georgian Ombudsman also arrived at the site.