Deputy Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan, responding to a statement by the Mother See, posted on his Facebook page urging “Ktrich Nersisyan and his supporters to cease the anti-church, illegal campaign.”
The Mother See had previously called on the ruling political force to “halt the anti-church illegal campaign.”
“We urge Ktrich Nersisyan and his circle to stop their anti-church, illegal campaign and instead focus on addressing the grave challenges facing the Armenian Apostolic Church, stemming from Nersisyan’s alleged betrayal and the apparent involvement of several clergy in plotting terrorism and a coup.
At the same time, we call on church authorities and clergy to take all necessary and legal steps to stop this anti-church trend.
We value our devout people's love and loyalty toward the Church and their vigilance in defending the spiritual center and sacred heritage of the Armenian nation from traitors and terror sympathizers. We urge our fellow citizens not to fall for the provocations of the disloyal Ktrich Nersisyan and his subordinates who crave bloodshed. Stay alert and sensible, and unite in faith and prayer to confront the trials we face.
The Catholicosate must remain grand,” Rubinyan wrote.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had called on citizens to live with prayer and fasting and prepare for a “great spiritual gathering” at Etchmiadzin’s central square.
The Mother See also responded to the Prime Minister’s statement by calling on relevant state bodies to take legal and necessary steps to prevent the planned gathering.
