When a critical word is pronounced or written about the Holy See senior clergymen, and the morals dominant in the church, the main argument that is brought against it is very primitive, “You are faithless.” This, in my opinion, is not an argument, because it is possible to be agnostic, but to adhere to the highest spiritual values. Just agnostic, and not atheist, because atheism is the same bigoted belief, only with a “minus” sign.
In the history, atheism made various types of “Bolshevik” (not only during Russia revolution in 1917, but also, for example, during the French Revolution in 1789) to destroy the temples and persecute clerics.
The 20th century French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre very precise noted that “atheist is a maniac, which is so devoted to God that sees its absence in everywhere and can not open his mouth without giving his name.”
Then, let’s leave all maniacs (with “plus” or “minus” sign) and state that, regardless of the depth of his faith, any Armenia, especially any citizen of Armenia has the right to express his opinion about the Armenian Apostolic Church of senior ministers and morality. Especially, when it comes, for example, to the Remembrance of the Dead. What? Does it refer only to believers? No, the government compels not only to us, Armenian Christians, but also to all citizens of Armenia, including the followers of other faiths and no faith, not to work for 5 times a year, on Monday and Saturday. It is inconvenient for the business aspect, because many of the private companies (e.g., media) continue to work by regular hours, as well as enters into contradiction with the principles of a secular state.
Last week, our senior clergymen seem to have a unique opportunity to discuss all these issues. But, judging from the official messages, the participants of the Bishops’ Synod are absolutely not concerned about the decline in their authority of bishops and dealt with such issues, which, in any case, very few are concerned in Armenia.
The issue of unifying the rite of Baptism and placing in the row of saints, if they are so important, they can be solved within the “working manner”, even sending e-mails to each other. “Bentley”, offshore, Norvan Bishop, Patriarch of Jerusalem, here’s what the public is concerned in Armenia. To evade these problems, to pretend that they do not exist, at least, means to behave like an ostrich. The meeting attendees were like the medieval scholastic divines that were collected and passionately arguing about how many angels can be placed on the edge of the needle.
While, the issue is fundamental, whether we, the believers, need a priest with his humility, his restrained and temperate behavior, to serve as an example for us and show a way. Or, it is not necessary now, and, as of today, the high priest should not differ from that of its “brotherhood” of secular power, live by the same values and get into the same businesses.
In the New Testament, there is an episode where a rich young man comes to the Lord and asks what he should do to enter eternal life. Jesus says that we must keep the commandments. The young man turns out to be doing it since childhood. “What do I still lack?” – asks he. “If you want to be
perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19). The young man was not ready for it. Bishops also are not ready for it as they not only fail keeping the commandments of God, but also have taken their material wealth on their backs and thus want to follow the Lord. And take us with them.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
