Hovhannes Torgomyan: Truth always dangerous for  authorities

ArmInfo.  These days, one often hears critisizm from certain circles, even high-ranking  clergymen, towards the Church or the Catholicos of All Armenians for  daring to speak about power, injustice, or sensitive national and  social issues. Their main argument is:  "The Church should not  interfere in politics." However, if we apply the same logic to  history, one must ask whether Jesus Christ himself refrained from  speaking about secular realities. The answer is clear: no.  This is  highlighted in a statement issued by Father Hovhannes Torgomyan.

 "Christ was not an ordinary 'spiritual lecturer' focused solely on  heavenly matters. His speech touched on the most painful,  dangerous,  and  intolerable topics. He openly denounced the hypocrisy of the  Pharisees, condemned the moral decay of government and religion,  entered the temple and even overturned the tables, seeing that the  house of God had become a marketplace. If any spiritual leader today  were to do the same, many might label them as  'political,'  'anti-state,' or 'destructive.' But should one speaking the truth  remain silent simply because it challenges the authorities?

Another interesting question: if Christ's disciples had adopted the  mindset of some modern clergy, they might have said, 'Lord, don't  speak against the authorities. It's political, it's dangerous, it's  none of your business.' And if Christ had heeded these words, there  would have been no crucifixion, no resurrection, and we don't know  what would have become of the plan of salvation," Father Hovhannes  noted. He added that the truth is always dangerous for the  authorities while silence is always advantageous. "And finally, let  us not forget the word of truth: ' BY THE POWER OF TRUTH I HAVE  CONQUERED THE UNIVERSE!'" Father Hovhannes concluded.