The Armenian Apostolic Church has postponed the upcoming Bishop Synod, originally scheduled for December 10–12, due to the current situation in Armenia, particularly the government’s actions against clergy.
According to a statement from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, “Considering the current situation in Armenia, especially the ongoing repressions against members of the clergy, including arrests, and responding to the request of bishops, the Catholicos of All Armenians has decided to temporarily postpone the Bishop Synod.”
Earlier, the Church had announced that the Synod would address recent developments surrounding the Armenian Apostolic Church and internal church matters.
A group of senior clergymen, including archbishops and bishops, previously issued a statement accusing Catholicos Karekin II of attempting to cover up misconduct by Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See, which had been exposed in leaked videos. They also alleged that Karekin II had violated the oath. Prime Minister Pashinyan met with the dissenting clergy and expressed support for their stance. In a follow-up statement on November 29, the same group demanded the Catholicos step down.
Currently in custody are Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the Sacred Struggle movement; Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan of Shirak; Bishop Mkrtich of Aragatsotn; and Bishop Arshak, Chancellor of the Mother See.
