It is no coincidence that during Nikol’s absence from the country no one attended a false liturgy or committed treason – Hovhannisyan

Vahe Hovhannisyan, a member of the Alternative Projects group, wrote:

“Another forced split has already become a reality. What began as a ‘black-and-white’ division has now evolved into a velvet stage.

There is a segment of society that does not even dare to take a deep breath at the threshold of the Mother See, fully aware of where it stands. And there is another segment that would readily kick that door in.

I deliberately use the word ‘society’ in the second case, even though it exists in a fragmented form. I use it because behind them stand those who attend the imposed false liturgy, those who approve of it, those who remain silent, those who speak according to the prevailing environment, and, when necessary, those who act entirely differently – those who say, ‘What can we do?’

In essence, this has already become a battle of species. The defenders of the Mother See – the greater part of society – must recognize that many on the other side are, in fact, victims of trafficking. Their protection must also be considered as part of our essential work. Public solidarity, which has been shattered today, must be restored not only to protect ‘our side,’ but also to safeguard their rights.

It is no coincidence that on the Sunday when Nikol was absent from the country, none of them attended a false liturgy or committed acts of treason. In effect, there appears to be such a thing as a ‘day off from treason.’ In my view, this atmosphere is beginning to exhaust everyone. People everywhere want a calm life – one in which they are not forced to act against their conscience.

It now falls to the political forces to recognize this critical moment and bring this phase to an end by adopting the right resolutions and addressing the public accordingly.”