STATEMENT
15.10.2025
Statement on the Detention of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, Head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, and Diocesan Clergy and Staff
At dawn on October 15 of this year, representatives of law enforcement agencies, acting based on false information disseminated by the abbot of Hovhanavank Monastery of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Priest Aram Asatryan, and on a report filed by the chairman of the Union of Informed Citizens NGO, Daniel Ioannisyan, conducted searches at the residence of the Aragatsotn Diocese, as well as at the homes of the head of the diocese, His Grace Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, members of the clergy, and diocesan staff.
According to currently available information, the head of the Aragatsotn Diocese and twelve priests of the diocese have been detained —
Honorable Father Paren Arakelyan,
Honorable Father Hayk Kocharyan,
Honorable Father Mkrtich Yeranyan,
Honorable Father Manuk Zeynalyan,
Honorable Father Ghevond Gapoyan,
Honorable Father Hayk Sahakyan,
Honorable Father Sargis Sargsyan,
Honorable Father Garegin Arsenyan,
Honorable Father Narek Sargsyan,
Honorable Father Oshin Hayrapetyan,
Honorable Father Vrtanes Baghalyan,
Honorable Father Hambartzum Danielyan,
as well as the accountant, treasurer, and secretary of the diocese.
In gross violation of the law, for several hours, the whereabouts of His Grace Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, Honorable Fathers Sargis Sargsyan, Narek Sargsyan, Oshin Hayrapetyan, Hambartzum Danielyan, and Vrtanes Baghalyan were concealed, depriving them of any opportunity to obtain legal assistance.
The unlawful criminal prosecution of the head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, the priests, and diocesan employees is yet another manifestation of an organized and systematic anti-church campaign initiated by the authorities.
These reprehensible actions clearly aim to paralyze the normal functioning of the Church. They undermine the authority of the Church and spread an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among the clergy, the faithful, and the wider public.
As a result of these unlawful actions, the activities of the diocese and its sacramental and liturgical life have been disrupted, and the ministry of the spiritual pastors has been interrupted.
By applying such repressive measures, characteristic of totalitarian regimes, the authorities of the Republic of Armenia are grossly violating the right to freedom of religion, insulting the religious feelings of believers, and continuing to sow hatred and foment hostility, deepening social division.
We appeal to our clergy and faithful not to yield to provocations and to stand firmly in defense of the Church.
Neither intrigues, threats, nor repressions can break the spirit of the clergy and the people of faith.
We pray for peace in our Homeland and for the safety of our people.
