Jerusalem Patriarchate Expresses Support for Mother See

3 NOV 2025 14:25

The actions carried out by a defrocked clergyman with the overt patronage of the state authorities are not only illegal and against the church's regulations but also undermine the reputation and authority of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. This is stated in a declaration released by the patriarchate.

"The interference of state officials in the internal life of the church is unacceptable, and even more so is the support for defrocked clergymen in their attempts to seize Hovhannavank and disrupt legitimate rites by serving invalid 'liturgies.' The Armenian Apostolic Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemns these illegal and dishonorable steps and calls on the authorities to cease all manifestations of interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church and to ensure the safe and peaceful activities of the church's ordained servants."