Conflict in Hovhannavank: Armenian Church accused the authorities of seizing and desecrating the monastery

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued an official statement accusing the Armenian authorities of continuing persecution of the Church. According to Echmiadzin, these actions culminated in the recent «forceful seizure» and «desecration» of the Hovhannavank Monastery in the Aragatsotn Diocese, which led to the disruption of services and threats against clergy.

According to a publication in the official Telegram channel, the reason for the statement was the «sacrilegious staging» held in Hovhannavank Monastery under the guise of Divine Liturgy. Following this, according to the Mother See, the monastery was forcibly seized with the direct involvement of law enforcement agencies and «obstructing groups» involved.

As a result of these events, the spiritual service of the appointed priests, Priest Sargis Sargsyan and Priest Manuk Zeynalyan, was disrupted. The statement emphasizes that threats and calls for violence have been made against the clergy by the «obstructing groups.»

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin considers all actions carried out in Hovhannavank under the guise of rituals as desecration, devoid of any spiritual value and null and void. In connection with what happened, the church of Hovhannavank Monastery, according to the statement, is to be re-consecrated.

In conclusion, Echmiadzin declares its intention to seek the restoration of its rights to the monastery by all legal means. The church will aim to «eliminate the consequences of encroachments on freedom of conscience,» protect the spiritual life of believers and ensure normal service for its clergy.

Recall that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a high-profile statement declaring Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II deprived of his dignity and accusing him of violating his vow of celibacy and seizing the patriarchal throne. This statement, made in Parliament, testifies to the unprecedented aggravation of relations between the state authorities and the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), which has lasted for several months and is accompanied by criminal cases against a number of high-ranking clergymen.