Armenian authorities have restricted a group of Russian clergy from leaving the country

More than ten clergy members of the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church found themselves unable to leave Armenia after receiving summonses for military training. The incident led to a forced interruption in their ministry in Russia, which affected the lives of their congregations. This was reported byArmenia Today.

The situation escalated on June 23, 2026, when the clergymen, who had arrived in the country on a visit, received orders to undergo military training. Among those mentioned are Father Arsen Israelyan of Voronezh and Father Jeremiah Vardanyan of Izhevsk, who had previously served as chaplains in the army. According to an official statement from the diocese, these priests have already begun participating in the training and are ready to fulfill their duty to the state.

Earlier, Gegham Manukyan, a deputy from the opposition “Armenia” faction, reported numerous reports from citizens whose right to leave the country had been restricted by the Armenian National Security Service. These restrictions are based on information from the Military Police. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, representatives of the clergy emphasize their intention to abide by the law, although the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church had previously called on secular authorities not to interfere in the internal affairs of religious organizations.