I have a church calendar where not only the feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church are marked, but also a number of other significant dates. In particular, the days of remembrance of Christian martyrs. Their stories are, to some extent, similar: these people remained faithful to their faith and refused to sacrifice to foreign, pagan idols, for which they were subjected to horrific tortures and, ultimately, executed.
Yesterday, for example, was the commemoration day of Patriarchs St. Barlaam, St. Anthimos, and St. Eiranos. The officials appointed by emperors and foreigners sought to impose their customs upon Christian communities, yet these clergymen would not betray their truth, their God.
… I am not sure whether Armenia’s current government is genuinely Armenian or, in reality, Azerbaijani. For the Prime Minister of Armenia is advancing Azerbaijani theses—among them those about “internationally recognized borders” and the Armenian Apostolic Church—with greater zeal than Aliyev or Pashazade themselves.
Therefore, if this government is essentially one controlled by the foreigner, then the persecution of Armenian clergy becomes entirely “natural.” Sadly, this is neither the first nor, I fear, the last such case in our history.
Read also
The external problem is tied to an internal one. Pashinyan will keep bishops in prison for as long as it takes to reclaim his coveted chair, for which he is ready to do anything. In the coming months there will be new political repressions, and it is not excluded that there will also be new murders.
… Emperor Maximilian accused the Christians of setting fire to the imperial palace (that is, of terrorism). When the emperor displayed the instruments of execution to Bishop Anthimos in order to frighten him, the clergyman replied:
“You cannot deceive the one who himself wishes to die for Christ. Execution frightens only weak souls, for whom the temporary life is dearer than anything else.”
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
