Diocese Slams Priest's TV Interview as "Anti-Church"

The press service of the Aragatsotn Diocese has issued a statement regarding several points made in an interview by Father Aram Asatryan, the spiritual pastor of Hovhannavank. "The purpose of the H1 interview with Father Aram Asatryan, the spiritual pastor of Hovhannavank, on September 16 was to use the Reverend Father to support the anti-church campaign initiated by the authorities and to discredit the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. The Reverend Father fulfilled the demand placed before him with 'obedience.'

As for the baseless and false accusations and gossip voiced during Father Aram Asatryan's interview, let us note that the clergy of the church, regardless of their hierarchical rank, always show the love and care of Christ's Gospel towards each other and the faithful flock.

The prevailing spirit in the church is not one of fear, but of love, forgiveness, obedience, philanthropy, and love of God. Alongside this, the clergy are also guided by a sacred order and a high sense of service, placing the sanctity of the church above their own ambitions and whims.

Without these two pillars, namely love and discipline, the church and the clergy would be unable to serve the Holy Gospel of Christ and our faithful people with complete dedication and effectiveness," the statement from the press service of the Aragatsotn Diocese reads.

It should be recalled that on September 16, Father Aram Asatryan gave an interview to the Public Television of Armenia, addressing a number of issues concerning the Armenian Apostolic Church and himself personally.