Ex-defense minister lauds chaplains’ service

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan, speaking to journalists before a court hearing, said he had highly valued the service of military chaplains during wartime and crisis periods.

According to Panorama.am , Tonoyan stated that during his tenure at the Ministry of Defense, including when he served as first deputy minister and head of the international cooperation department, he did everything possible to improve the conditions of chaplains’ service within the ministry.

He noted that support was reflected both in ensuring their expenses and in regulating relations within the armed forces, as well as addressing other issues.

“I have very highly valued the service of chaplains during the war and during crises. Very highly. We also managed to select a residence, and that took place during my tenure,” he said.

Commenting on the reduction in the number of clergy in the armed forces and the limitation of their activities, Tonoyan stressed that such steps would not have positive moral and psychological consequences.

“Ninety percent of our servicemen are followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church. I have already said that both during the 44-day war and in crisis phases, I very highly valued their services,” the former minister emphasized.

As of February 1, by order of Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, the Spiritual Leadership of the Armed Forces of Armenia was dissolved.

Earlier, Father Psak Mkrtchyan reported that military chaplains and deacons had been summoned to the Ministry of Defense, and that through an indirect format — via a questionnaire — attempts were made to clarify their position regarding the campaign launched against the church. According to the priest, they gave a response befitting clergy faithful to their vows.