St. Etchmiadzin has defrocked Father Taron Hunanyan, a cleric of the Tavush Diocese, according to the Mother See’s Information Department.

The decision was made by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, based on the following reasons:

• Voluntarily abandoned his place of service since May 2024;
• Ignored the admonitions and instructions of the ating head of the Tavush Diocese and persisted in disobedient behavior;
• Participated in an unauthorized religious ceremony organized by Stepan Asatryan, who had previously been defrocked, thus becoming complicit;
• Discredited the Armenian Apostolic Church and fellow clerics through public speeches and statements;
• Displayed disrespectful behavior toward the Church’s highest authorities and violated his vow of obedience.

The defrocked priest is now considered a layman and will be addressed by his baptismal name, Vardan Hunanyan.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, after twice attending liturgies conducted by the defrocked priest that were deemed illegal by the Mother See, announced his intention to attend another service on November 9 in Talin, to be led by Father Tade.