Armenian archbishop responds to circulating videos

Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, has dismissed as fabricated the videos circulating online allegedly involving him and his family.

In a statement on Saturday, the senior cleric said that the videos and media reports alleging that he demanded the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II “are malicious lies” spread by media outlets aligned with the ruling Civil Contract party.

He described the campaign as part of the authorities’ broader effort to discredit the Armenian Apostolic Church, intimidate people and divide society.

“Some advised me to respond quickly and deny the allegations,” he wrote. “But I consider it more reasonable to ignore such slander. I publicly extend my contempt and mockery to those behind these fabrications.”

The archbishop warned that those responsible will eventually face accountability. “Save your energy as you will need it when your true faces are exposed,” he added.