EN
7 August 2002 - 13:53 AMT

EXPLOSION IN ARMENIAN CHURCH IN CRIMEA OF HOUSEHOLD NATURE

It appeared that the local guard of “Surb Khach” Armenian church in Crimea was “the author” of the explosion taken place in the church at the turn of July. According to the Russian mass media reports, as a result of the inquest the 65-year-old supervisor of the church, who was suspected of putting a self-made explosive mechanism in the building, was arrested. The guard explains his actions by intention to pay his fellow worker back. Meanwhile, the local authorities attribute ethnic or religious nature to the incident. Let us note that “Surb Khach” church is a historical architectural monument of 1338, which was lately passed under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In 16-18 centuries the church was the main religious center of the Armenians residing in Crimea.