Armenian public and political figure Edgar Ghazaryan stated on his Facebook page that the heads of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Shirak, Tavush, and Aragatsotn dioceses are imprisoned.
He recalled that in May, the head of the Caucasian Muslims’ Board, Allashukjur Pashazade, announced plans to establish the “Erivan and Etchmiadzin ghaziat (diocese)” of the Caucasian Muslims.
“Detained is the third hierarchical leader of the Armenian Church. Currently imprisoned are the leaders of the Shirak, Tavush, and Aragatsotn dioceses, two of whom are also members of the Supreme Spiritual Council.
P.S. On May 22, 2025, Allashukjur Pashazade declared the founding of the Erivan and Etchmiadzin ghaziat of the Caucasian Muslims. The arrests of all Armenian Church diocesan leaders, as well as of the Church’s largest benefactor Samvel Karapetyan, occurred after that decision was made,” he wrote.
On October 13, Pashazade told U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres: “The Armenian Church is calling for revanchism and a new clash. Through destructive propaganda they are doing everything to disrupt the peace process.” He also complained about the Armenian Apostolic Church’s activities during a meeting at New York’s Park East synagogue with Rabbi Arthur Schneier, saying the “Armenian Church has not yet laid down the sword.”
