The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has issued a statement claiming that the historic Hovhannavank Monastery has been forcibly seized, disrupting the spiritual service of two appointed clerics, Father Sarkis Sargsyan and Deacon Manuk Zeynalyan.
The Church announced it would pursue legal avenues to restore its rights over the monastery and defend the integrity of its religious mission.
“The continuous persecution of the Church by Armenian authorities has taken on new, unprecedented forms in recent days,” the statement reads. “Following a profane performance disguised as a Holy Mass conducted with the direct involvement of law enforcement and obstructive groups, Hovhannavank has been seized, hindering the service of our clergy.”
The statement also notes that the involved groups have issued threats and calls for violence against the appointed clerics.
According to St. Etchmiadzin, the ceremonies carried out under government auspices are deemed desecrations, devoid of any spiritual validity, and render the monastery in need of reconsecration.
The Church affirms its commitment to restoring its rights “through all legal means,” defending religious freedom, protecting believers’ spiritual lives, and ensuring the continued service of ordained clergy.
“We pray the Almighty Lord keeps our country safe and our Holy Church unshaken. Amen,” the statement concludes.
On October 26, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended a Mass at Hovhannavank led by a suspended priest and declared illegitimate by Etchmiadzin. Pashinyan was joined by several cabinet members. Days earlier, the Church had banned the priest, Father Aram, from performing any rites, calling his actions ‘spiritually ruinous’ and accusing the prime minister of attempting to create schism within the Church. Pashinyan announced he plans to attend another Mass at Hovhannavank on November 2.
