The Diocesan Primates of the Armenian Apostolic Church in North America have expressed concern over the recent arrests of clergy in Armenia, voicing steadfast support for His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, the clergy, and the faithful.
“The detained clergymen are recognized for their devotion, humility, and service to the people and the Gospel. Such treatment jeopardizes the moral and spiritual foundations of our nation and undermines the sacred role of the Church in our national life,” the statement reads.
The bishops called on Armenian authorities to ensure the implementation of justice through full transparency and adherence to the law, while also respecting the historic sovereignty and spiritual mission of the Armenian Church.
They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Catholicos Karekin II and called for unity among the faithful in Armenia and the diaspora during these challenging times.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (Western Diocese), Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan (Eastern Diocese), and Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan (Canadian Diocese).
On October 15, law enforcement conducted a search at the residence of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, who was subsequently detained along with 12 other clergy and staff. Later, Armenia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that three individuals, including the bishop, had been arrested. Proshyan faces public criminal prosecution under two articles of Armenia’s Criminal Code for obstructing electoral rights and coercing participation in rallies using official or service authority.
