National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan recently stated during a speech in Gyumri that, in his view, it is time for the next mass to be held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Responding to this statement, Simonyan’s press secretary Movses Harutyunyan told Aysor.am that the comment reflects Simonyan’s personal opinion.

“As the Speaker emphasized in his speech, this is his personal view and position. I have no comment on any other plans or considerations,” Harutyunyan said.

On December 7, Prime Minister Pashinyan attended a liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, also known as Yot Verk (Seven Wounds), in Gyumri. Clergy from the Shirak Diocese had initially refused to perform the liturgy, as Pashinyan reportedly requested the name of the Catholicos be omitted. Law enforcement later sealed the church, and the service was eventually held by Father Mkrtich Mushadyan from the Armavir Diocese.