I consider myself a clergyman, but the Aragatsotn Diocese does not – Aramayis Takhmazyan

The court hearing in the case involving the Primate of the Aragatsotn Diocese, His Grace Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, and the spiritual pastor of Surb Gevorg Church in Mughni, Father Garegin Arsenyan, has begun.

Former priest of the Aragatsotn Diocese, defrocked clergyman Aramayis Takhmazyan, is being questioned in court.

Responding to a prosecutor’s question, Takhmazyan claimed that members of the clergy were compelled to attend rallies.

“The priests received instructions via WhatsApp telling them they had to participate in one rally or another. A list was drawn up, and we attended according to that list,” Takhmazyan told the court.

When the prosecutor asked why he had not spoken out about it at the time, Takhmazyan replied that he was in a subordinate position and feared there would be consequences if he objected.

Father Garegin’s lawyer then asked Takhmazyan whether he considered himself a clergyman of the Aragatsotn Diocese. Takhmazyan responded that he considered himself a clergyman, but that the diocese did not.

“Whether someone is a clergyman is not determined by the diocese,” Takhmazyan said.