Aragatsotn Diocese: Using the territory of Hovhannavank for a feast is sacrilege

ArmInfo. Using the Hovhannavank monastery complex as a venue for a banquet is sacrilege and a desecration of sacred sites.

The press office of the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) issued this statement in response to footage of a banquet on the Hovhannavank grounds that was circulated on social media yesterday. "The Aragatsotn Diocese of the AAC categorically condemns the outrageous event that took place in the Hovhannavank monastery complex, which has sparked widespread public outcry. "Using the monastery grounds as a venue for a feast is sacrilege and a desecration of sacred relics," the diocese stated.

It is noted that the primate of the diocese, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, has long prohibited holding such events in the courtyards of churches and monastery complexes. Furthermore, the Aragatsotn Diocese noted that for nearly a year now, Hovhannavank has been seized by a defrocked clergyman (Stepan Asatryan, formerly Priest Aram Asatryan - ed.), where uncanonical and invalid "sacraments" are performed, which, unfortunately, are attended by ignorant believers.

"We appeal to the relevant government agencies to take legal measures and return the seized monastery to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church." We also consider it necessary to warn the organizers and participants of such events that such events disrupt the grandeur of divine service in the lives of believers and deprive them of God's blessing," the diocese concluded.

As a reminder, footage of a feast on the grounds of the Hovhannavank church was circulated on Armenian social media the day before. Citizens were outraged by the music playing outside the church – chanson and criminal songs.