Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin demands immediate end to unlawful persecution of clergy

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has strongly condemned the detention of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, on fabricated and unfounded charges, as well as the court’s decision to place him under arrest.

“This step is a manifestation of repressions against the Church in recent times and a continuation of the process of political persecution of the clergy. The imprisonment of high-ranking clergymen on fabricated charges is yet another demonstration of the authorities’ anti-church policy and an incitement of hatred toward the clergy.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin demands the immediate cessation of the unlawful persecution of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan and other imprisoned clergymen, and the restoration of their violated rights,” the statement reads.