Fr. Taron Hunanyan, who has voiced support for defrocked priest Fr. Aram (Stepan Asatryan), declined to meet with the disciplinary committee of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, refusing to discuss personal and clerical matters.
Speaking to reporters in the courtyard of the Mother See, he said, “I told them I refuse to discuss my personal matters with this committee, and especially my clerical ones, because I do not find it appropriate, given who the committee members are. I asked that the committee first examine the disciplinary issues of its own members before addressing mine.”
Though he did not name individuals, he stressed that “they are known.”
Fr. Taron stated that he met the people expecting him, but made it clear in advance that he would not participate in discussions if he found any members unacceptable due to conduct that warrants review. “I believe you all understand who I’m referring to,” he added, without naming names.
According to him, he expressed this opinion and then left the meeting. “In my view, anyone in the Armenian Church who is not spiritual must step away. I won’t name names now. The people can judge,” the priest said.
Asked whether he shares the position of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has demanded the resignation of the Catholicos, and if he believes the Catholicos should step down, Fr. Taron replied: “It’s an important question. I may address it later,” as reported by Panorama.am .
Fr. Taron also noted he had earlier expressed his views at Hovhannavank. He said suspended priest Stepan Asatryan (Fr. Aram before defrocking) is a close friend and former seminary roommate with whom he has long shared similar ideas.
When asked whether he would participate in the liturgy planned for November 9 at Talin’s Holy Mother of God Church, he responded that he has not yet decided.
Regarding whether he would attend a spiritual event organized by Prime Minister Pashinyan, should it occur, he said: “When the time comes, I’ll decide. I haven’t decided yet.”
Asked whether he was promised anything in return for opposing the Church, Fr. Taron replied, “Do I look like someone who would sell God for anything?”
The Mother See had summoned him to the disciplinary committee to clarify his unauthorized departure from his service location, participation in a non-canonical ceremony led by defrocked Stepan Asatryan on October 26 at Hovhannavank, and public anti-Church remarks made to journalists the same day.
