The Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria has issued a statement expressing full solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church and the entire Christian community of Armenia.
The council noted that after expressing concern in early July over the arrest of high-ranking clergy, the situation has only worsened. Two archbishops (Mikael Ajapahyan and Bagrat Galstanyan), one bishop (Mkrtich Proshyan), and a parish priest (Garegin Arsenyan) have since been detained.
“Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan has already been sentenced to two years in prison, while the other clergy remain in pre-trial detention.
These developments have caused deep disappointment and sorrow among many believers in Austria and around the world.
The arrest, detention, and sentencing of high-ranking clergy clearly pose a challenge to religious freedom. We are concerned that this approach is incompatible with the principles of the rule of law and human rights.
Such measures represent arbitrary and unjustified interference in the freedom of the Church and may be seen as an attack on the religious community.
The Church is the voice of conscience and society; it serves peace, justice, and reconciliation. When the Church raises its prophetic voice, it does so not against the people, but for the well-being and dignity of all. The Church must be free and unhindered in fulfilling this mission. In prayer and fraternal solidarity, we stand with our Armenian sisters and brothers and ask God for strength, comfort, and wisdom in these difficult times. Together we pray for the immediate release of the imprisoned bishops, priest, and all affected clergy, and for peace, unity, and justice in Armenia.
‘If one member suffers, all suffer together’ (1 Corinthians 12:26)
May God strengthen His people in Armenia and guide all responsible authorities toward truth, dialogue, and peace,” the statement reads.
On October 15, Armenia’s Investigative Committee, accompanied by the National Security Service, carried out searches at the Aragatsotn Diocese headquarters and the homes of several clergy. Dozens of priests, including Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan and diocesan chancellor Garegin Arsenyan, were taken in for questioning. The court later ordered Bishop Proshyan held for two months and Father Arsenyan for one month. Others remain witnesses in the case.
According to the Investigative Committee, public criminal prosecution has been initiated against Bishop Proshyan under two articles of Armenia’s Criminal Code: abuse of official position to obstruct the exercise of electoral rights and coercion to participate in rallies using official authority.
