‘Immediately end this disgraceful situation that shames us before the whole world and leave the Church in peace’ – Levon Mukanyan

Speaking with Alpha News, Levon Mukanyan, the representative for relations with state and public institutions of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Russia and New Nakhichevan, commented on the government’s attacks against the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“We see what is happening in Armenia—the pressure and repressions directed at the Armenian Apostolic Church by the authorities. My opinion coincides with the position of the overwhelming majority of Armenians living in Russia, both citizens of Armenia and citizens of Russia. This situation is absolutely unacceptable. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as head of the country, tramples on the foundations of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia in the most unacceptable way, violates all norms of ethics and morality, allowing himself offensive words against the leadership of our holy Armenian Apostolic Church, of which we are parishioners.

When we voice our strong protest, we often hear from Armenia: ‘You live in Russia, this is not your business.’ But I will say—it is our business. The Catholicos of All Armenians is not an official who can be replaced or changed by the decision of the Prime Minister. The Catholicos is elected by the universal church council, and all Armenians, wherever they live, have a direct connection to their supreme patriarch, whom we support.
We have repeatedly stated this during public protests, including at the Embassy of Armenia in Russia, to make our position clear to Pashinyan. All Armenian public organizations in Russia strongly oppose his destructive actions. I have not heard of a single case where any organization supported such steps.

We demand that this disgraceful situation, which shames us before the whole world, be immediately stopped and that the Church be left in peace. The Church is capable of resolving its internal and economic issues independently. Throughout its history, Armenia has changed forms of statehood, but the Church has always guided us and preserved the people,” Mukanyan said.