Holy Fathers prosecuted by Armenian authorities to participate in Episcopal Assembly remotely

Despite the authorities’ repression and criminal proceedings against members of the clergy, His Holiness told Aysor.am yesterday that the Episcopal Assembly will take place as scheduled.

Father Yesayi Artenyan, Director of the Information System of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, told Aysor.am that the Holy Fathers who have been banned from leaving the country will take part in the meeting remotely.

“Organizational work is currently underway; the committee will make the relevant decisions,” Father Yesayi noted.

An invitation to participate in the Episcopal Assembly was also extended to clergy who joined the campaign against the Church. At this point, only Hovnan Terteryan has announced that he will attend.

At the invitation of the Catholicos, the Episcopal Assembly is scheduled to be held in the city of Sankt Pölten, Austria, from February 16 to 19.

However, authorities who have launched a campaign against the Church are seeking ways to prevent the bishops from leaving Armenia.

Six bishops and one priest of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin were found guilty of obstructing the execution of a court order reinstating Arman Saroyan as Primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese.

The Investigative Committee summoned His Holiness Makar, Hovnan, Nathan, Haykazun, Mushegh, and Vahan, as well as Father Movses. The preventive measure imposed on them was a ban on leaving the country.