Papikyan’s order on chaplains also affected students of the Armenian Theological Seminary of Jerusalem: they came to Armenia and were unable to return

By order of Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, the Spiritual Leadership of the RA Armed Forces – which had provided spiritual service for 20 years or more – has been dissolved. Clergy serving in the army will no longer act as representatives of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Although a theological education remains mandatory, they will now serve as officers and be subordinated to the Department of Moral and Psychological Support of the RA Armed Forces.

According to Aysor.am, following this decision, the Ministry of Defense also revoked the deferments previously granted to students of the Armenian Theological Seminary of Jerusalem.

The students had traveled to Armenia to renew their passports and visit family members but were subsequently unable to return to the seminary.

We sent a written inquiry to the RA Ministry of Defense regarding the matter and received a “very comprehensive” response.

Addressing the question about the chaplains, RA Ministry of Defense Secretary General Hamlet Batikyan noted that Suren Papikyan had already commented on the issue during a conversation with journalists at the National Assembly and said the Ministry could provide no additional information. The question concerning the students of the Armenian Theological Seminary of Jerusalem was left unanswered, and no clarification was provided to Aysor.am.

We also sought clarification from the Superintendent of the Jerusalem Seminary and Convent, His Eminence Father Gevorg Hayrapetyan.

In an interview with Aysor.am, Father Gevorg stated that one of the students was granted a deferment due to a health condition.

“As for the other two, they are currently serving in the army on a temporary basis. There is a special approach being taken to resolve their situation. The relevant legal provision concerning them has not yet been adopted, which is why the issue is still being addressed,” he said.

According to Father Gevorg, the Ministry of Defense has promised to resolve the matter within a month.