In an interview with “Aravot,” Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, leader of the Masyatsotn Diocese, addressed accusations against the Armenian Apostolic Church, specifically that Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II is spearheading the current opposition movement. According to Bishop Saroyan, if such allegations were true, leaders of all dioceses and priests would have called to join the movement. He emphasized that the church’s role is fundamentally different: it cannot align with either the government or the opposition, as both sides comprise members of the Armenian Church. Nevertheless, the church remains committed to speaking the truth.
Responding to frequent criticisms regarding the church’s lack of action against corruption, electoral fraud, the “March 1” events, and other societal issues, Bishop Saroyan clarified that the church is not in a position to deliver verdicts or conduct investigations. He pointed out that individuals accused of corruption are often acquitted later, posing a rhetorical question about whether the church should then alter its stance.
Bishop Saroyan expressed his dismay over the incident where His Holiness the Catholicos was prevented from attending the Sardarapat Memorial on May 28. He found it particularly regrettable that this occurred on the day commemorating the heroic Battle of Sardarapat, in which Armenian clerics played a significant role.
Additionally, he noted an increasing prevalence of hateful rhetoric directed at the church in recent times.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
