Mother See condemns seizure of Hovhannavank, threats against clergy

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on Thursday issued a statement denouncing what it describes as the unlawful seizure of Hovhannavank Monastery in the Aragatsotn Diocese, accompanied by threats against clergymen. The full text of the statement is provided below.

“The ongoing persecutions by the Armenian authorities against the Church have taken on new forms in recent days. Following the sacrilegious performance staged under the guise of a Holy Liturgy at Hovhannavank Monastery of the Aragatsotn Diocese and with the direct participation of law enforcement agencies and involvement of obstructive groups, the monastery has been seized. As a result, the regular pastoral service of the assigned clergy, Rev. Fr. Sargis Sargsyan and Rev. Fr. Manuk Zeynalayan, has been disrupted. At the same time, threats and calls for violence have been voiced by those obstructing the clergy’s ministry.

We deem it necessary to record that the state-sponsored actions carried out at Hovhannavank under the pretense of religious ceremonies are acts of desecration devoid of any spiritual value and are invalid. Moreover, Hovhannavank is now subject to re-consecration.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will pursue all lawful means to restore its rights over Hovhannavank, to eliminate the consequences of violations against freedom of conscience, to safeguard the spiritual and canonical life of the faithful and to ensure the uninterrupted service of the clergy.

May Almighty God keep our country safe and secure and make steadfast our Holy Church. Amen."