Holy Etchmiadzin condemns sacrilege and demands restoration of rights to Hovhannavank

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued a statement condemning a sacrilegious spectacle held under the guise of Divine Liturgy at the Hovhannavank Monastery, with the direct involvement of law enforcement authorities, describing the incident as a seizure.

“Persecution of the Church by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia continues and has recently taken unprecedented forms. Following the sacrilegious spectacle conducted under the guise of Divine Liturgy at Hovhannavank in the Aragatsotn Diocese—with direct involvement of law enforcement and interference by obstructive groups—the monastery was seized, disrupting the spiritual service of the appointed priests, Rev. Sargis Sargsyan and Rev. Manuk Zeynalyan. At the same time, threats and calls for violence against the clergy have been voiced by these obstructive groups.

We find it necessary to affirm that the actions carried out under the guise of worship at Hovhannavank, under the protection of the authorities, constitute desecration, hold no spiritual value, and are invalid. The church of Hovhannavank must be re-consecrated.

Holy Etchmiadzin will pursue the restoration of its rights to Hovhannavank through all legal means, eliminate the consequences of violations against freedom of conscience, protect the spiritual and canonical life of the faithful, and ensure the proper service of the clergy.

We pray that Almighty God keeps our country safe and our Holy Church steadfast. Amen,” the statement reads.