The ROC expressed concern over the interference of the Armenian authorities in the affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has expressed deep concern over the attempts of the Armenian authorities to interfere in the affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR), said that attempts to artificially provoke a schism among believers are unacceptable. This is reported by TASS.

During a meeting with the head of the Russian and New Nakhichevan diocese of the AAC, Archbishop Ezras, Metropolitan Anthony emphasized that the Russian Orthodox Church supports the AAC in connection with the pressure exerted. Archbishop Ezras, in his turn, informed about the current situation in the Armenian Apostolic Church and thanked the Moscow Patriarchate for its solidarity.

The situation around the AAC has escalated after a number of events, including the arrests of bishops, the adoption of a bill depriving the AAC of the right to obtain land ownership, and the signing of a “road map for the renewal of the Armenian Church” by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. These actions sparked protests both in Armenia and abroad, including in Moscow, where a street rally in support of the AAC was held.

To remind, earlier we reported that the Criminal Court of Appeal of Armenia rejected the defense complaint against the arrest of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Chancellery Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, leaving him in custody. His defense, clergy and opposition forces call the charges of “sale of narcotic substances” against the clergyman absurd and politically motivated.