‘We call on law enforcement to stop unlawful actions at Hovhannavank’ – Supreme Spiritual Council

The Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) issued a statement regarding the situation at Hovhannavank.

“Under the leadership of the Catholicos of All Armenians and based on the conclusion of the Commission of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on awards and disciplinary matters, the spiritual pastor of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Priest Aram Asatryan—having exhausted all reasonable opportunities to return to canonical service, including three refusals to appear before the commission—was declared defrocked and reclassified as a layperson under the name Stepan Asatryan.

Following this decision, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued a formal notice prohibiting Stepan Asatryan from performing church rites and ceremonies, as well as any actions reserved exclusively for ordained clergy. He was also instructed to vacate Hovhannavank by October 23 and hand over the church keys to Father Shnork Paloyan, Chairman of the Administrative Council of the Aragatsotn Diocese. He was also ordered to vacate the apartment provided to him for official use by January 15, 2026.

We regret that the disciplinary measures taken by the Mother See in response to Father Aram’s misconduct and the decision to defrock him have become the subject of manipulation by representatives of the ruling political force. Particularly condemnable is Stepan Asatryan’s destructive initiative to organize an event called ‘Holy Liturgy’ at Hovhannavank with the support of the Prime Minister. This is yet another unlawful and anti-ecclesiastical attempt by the leader of the ruling political force to divide the Church.

Churches, monasteries, and other sacred sites are the heritage of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, and regardless of ownership rights over these historical and cultural assets, the canonical right to perform religious rites and liturgies belongs solely to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

We especially emphasize that the actions of the former clergyman obstruct the lawful ministry of the priests of Hovhannavank, desecrate the sacred site, and make those participating in this unacceptable process accomplices in anti-canonical acts.

We call on law enforcement authorities to stop these unlawful actions and ensure the uninterrupted ministry of the priests at Hovhannavank, as well as the spiritual and prayerful atmosphere of this holy site,” the statement reads.