“Me and the surrounding world” thematic program, recently, has caused a serious concern. The reason is that the experts are seeing serous risks in the standards of this program, especially due to the fact that from the beginning of the new academic year the school-students of the 2-4th grades will be advocated that gender is selective. Khachik Stamboltsyan, President of “Christians Against People’s Numeration” NGO, has also expressed his concern in this matter, also applying to the Minister of Education. Khachik Stamboltsyan noted, “In fact, the program will explain the child about the gender and its differences. The school-students will be taught that everything is not due to gender, gender is selective.” In the conversation with Aravot.am, Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Director of the Office on Ecclesiastical Liturgical Issues in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, also expressed his concern in this matter. He informed that the issue is under discussion, and it is presented to the Director of the Holy See Christian Education Center and after the discussion, they will achieve relevant conclusion, which will be presented to adequate authorities.
Associated with the thematic program, the clergyman explained, “In the school textbooks or by the program, the notion of selective gender is involved through gaming or discussions, hence, we need to conduct a poll on what base it is covered by the program.” Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan notes that we have gone so far that such ideology has penetrated into the educational system. Further, he notes that this is an adopted method to prepare a fertile ground and then provide a legislative form to the notion. The clergyman asserts, “This program was introduced prior to organizing a discussion at the National Assembly about the law on gender equality. This notion has already been put into circulation in our society. It has found its place in the university programs, particularly, in the publications sponsored by the American companies; it has found its place even in the schools, even during the simplest discussions.”
To our observation of whether the cause of this situation is not also the failure of the church, particularly, the fact that there are a misunderstanding between the public and religious ideology, whereas the notions on gender and other types of movements are presented in a flexible and attractive form, Bishop Galstanyan responded, “We are not ready for such notions or today’s challenges, they were also unexpected, in that sense, the reaction was also late. There is no problem with misunderstanding, there is a problem with comprehensive study and reaction. We are committed to increase awareness in education and upbringing and to use all resources of education, and penetrate into these areas. It is a matter of timely and accurate response, and the mission of the conceptual office is to respond to all these problems, to warn and give a reasonable answer.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
