Last week, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II’s opponents became active once more. They once again were demanding the Patriarch’s resignation. The problem does exist. The Catholicos’ authority is low, but that is not good for our state, which can only develop through spiritual values. But first, there are only a few people protesting against the Catholicos, and they are not honest. One of them was given a position of power, and now they have put their worries aside. But what’s most important is that this problem is not only personal but systematic.
The state has two problems in this case. One, the Mother See needs to be taxed so that the possibility of unguarded businesses can decrease. According to the news, many of our high-ranking spiritual leaders are businessmen. Secondly, the “history of the Armenian Church” subject needs to stop being taught in schools because it brings about the opposite effect: it drives children away from Christianity. Daycares need to teach children about the basics of moral values: love, compassion, forgiveness, and modesty. These values are part of the Armenian Apostolic education for me, but for the rest of humanity and for Armenians specifically, these can be organized in other studies and paths. A Muslim, Jew, Jehovah’s Witness, atheist, agnostic, and all believers and non-believers can be modest and kind. What is important is having honest and cleansing human values in our country and the whole world.
Regarding Garegin II. If any world leader, such as a President or Prime Minister, does not obviously enjoy the support and respect of a majority of society, it’s clear that they have to leave. This took place recently in Armenia. If any spiritual leader does not have authority among believers, then it is not so clear as to how they should behave. I am referring to beliefs and human dedication, and the approach that is correct for a state official, but that cannot be enforced here. Therefore, I suggest an idealistic solution. Garegin II repents and confesses that he has lived the type of life not suitable for a spiritual leader, and that he thought and dreamed only about materialism and not spiritualism, and… he continues to stay in his position and leads according to a changed lifestyle. This solution is, of course, very artificial. But overall, I am convinced that we all seek to become perfect and to move towards the light.
Aram Abrahamyan
