On October 26, on the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, the Armenian Apostolic Church held a special liturgy at the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiatzin, during which six new priests were ordained with the blessing of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.
During the “Lord, have mercy” chant, clergy and believers raised prayers for the release of imprisoned bishops Mikael and Bagrat, Bishop Mkrtich, Father Garegin, philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, and all captives. Prayers were also offered for peace and prosperity in Armenia.
The liturgy was presided over by Bishop Makarios Hakobyan of Syunik Diocese. The relic of the Holy Cross was displayed for veneration and incense offerings.
Six deacons from various church institutions were ordained:
Tigran Hakobyan → Father Avetis
Simon Igityan → Father Davit
Grigor Avoyan → Father Garnik
Artur Ohanyan → Father Mesrop
Hakob Gevorgyan → Father Hovhan
Hayk Tovmasyan → Father Nshan
Bishop Makarios blessed their foreheads and hands with Holy Chrism and gave them their new spiritual names. In his sermon, he highlighted the spiritual responsibility of the priesthood and urged the new clergy to remain faithful to their vows and follow the path of the Cross with humility and devotion.
The newly ordained priests will enter a 40-day period of prayer and preparation at the Mother See before being assigned to various dioceses and institutions of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
On the same day, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended a liturgy in Hovhannavank led by defrocked priest Aram, deemed illegal by the Mother See. The Church has accused the Prime Minister of attempting to divide the Church. Several clerics in Aragatsotn were also summoned by the Investigative Committee but declined to appear, citing concerns over pressure on regional clergy.
