Armenia’s National Assembly Hayastan faction MP Agnesa Khamoyan presented the message of Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan—who has been illegally detained for more than two months—from the isolation facility.
“Dear compatriots, I present to you the message of Archbishop Mikael, who has been illegally detained for over two months,” said MP Khamoyan during the announcement session, then proceeded to read it:
"Thanks and glory to the Almighty for His support and solace during the last 75 days of my life—without which it would have been impossible to endure the unprecedented and indescribable injustice we have been forced to confront. Thank you as well to you, my dear ones—each of you who share in my suffering, though completely insignificant compared to the loss of our homeland and the torments of our captive brothers."
Ajapahyan added that it feels improper to speak of his ordeal while our brothers from Artsakh are uprooted, and our siblings are tortured in captivity.
“This utterly illegal and fabricated persecution will end one day—everyone responsible will answer to the law whose criminal neglect and violation is now condemning me. And I, by the authority granted to me by God—not comparable to their temporary power—will judge them and their collaborators not temporarily, but eternally.
Christ said, ‘Forgive, for they know not what they do.’ I, the useless servant of the Lord, will dare to say: ‘Do not forgive, for they know very well what they are doing.’ Our love and blessings to the children of our beloved people.
And finally I say: ‘If God is with us, who can be against us?’ Stand firm—God is with us,” concludes the archbishop’s message.
Khamoyan added that she and her colleagues frequently visit the detention center and meet the archbishop. “I can say that his strength, vitality, and faith are proof that one day these words will be fulfilled,” she declared.
On the morning of June 27, approximately 30 masked individuals stormed the Shirak Diocese premises. Archbishop Mikael was, however, at the Mother See in Etchmiadzin for a clerical assembly. He later surrendered to investigative authorities. He was arrested by court decision for two months.
A criminal case was opened against Archbishop Ajapahyan under the article for public calls aimed at seizing power, violating territorial integrity, relinquishing sovereignty, or forcibly overthrowing the constitutional order.
