The Mother See condemns the threats and persecution against priests of the Masyatsotn Diocese

Since yesterday, persecution has begun against the priests of the Masyatsotn Diocese. Former Primate Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, is using various means to threaten clergy who have not joined the anti-church campaign and who recognize Father Ruben Vardapet Zargaryan – appointed by His Holiness – as the acting vicar of the diocese.

Only Father Artashes Hakobyan, spiritual pastor of the St. Sahak-Mesrop Church in the Vosketap community, has yielded to pressure.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has condemned these developments.

In an interview with Aysor.am, Father Yesayi Artenyan, Director of the Information System of the Mother See, stated that they possess factual evidence of oppression against priests.

“We have warned about this. Such actions are punishable. We already have evidence that pressure is being exerted on priests by various individuals, including employees of community administrations,” Father Yesayi said.

Father Harutyun Hakobyan, spiritual pastor of the St. Hakob Church in Ararat, also confirmed to Aysor.am that he had been approached and pressured to join former diocesan leader Gevorg Saroyan.

However, he stated: “We uphold church order; we do not uphold personalities. Our appointment was made in accordance with church order, and any change can only occur in accordance with church order.”

The Masyatsotn Diocese likewise issued a statement noting that priests were being subjected to threats and pressure to join the former diocesan leader and recognize his authority.