About 15-17% of Armenian residents have changed their faith during the past 20 years, according to Alexander Amaryan, head of the rehabilitation center for the victims of destructive cults.

The number of emo subculture fans aging between 13 and 19 has also increased.

“These people have special venues in Yerevan, where drug taking and sexual promiscuity are ordinary phenomena,” Amaryan said. “Besides, satanists in Armenia commit ritual murders which are often classified as domestic crimes by the police.”

There are several dozens of emo in Armenia, noted Father Ghevond Mailyan from Gevogyan Seminary.

“Without belief in Christ, a person may join any preposterous sect,” he said.