Defense lawyers petition to release Vahagn Chakhalyan from custody


The defense has submitted to the court the issue of changing Vahagn Chakhalyan's preventive measure, considering it legitimate to release him from custody, following the example of the other defendants in the case. Of the 18 defendants in this case, only Vahagn Chakhalyan and Bagrat Srbazan remain in custody, while other preventive measures have been applied to other members of the struggle.
 

Defrocked Arman Saroyan Sues Mother See and Fails to Appear in Court


Former Primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese, defrocked Arman Saroyan, has filed a lawsuit against the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, demanding that the Patriarchal Decree of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II on his dismissal from the position of Primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese be declared invalid and that he be reinstated in his position. The Mother See’s lawyer emphasized that a secular court and judge cannot interfere in the internal affairs of the church, as this is enshrined in the state law of Armenia, as well as in the norms of international law. Therefore, such a dispute is not subject to examination in court in a civil proceeding.

 

Clergymen under ban from absenteeism to participate in the Bishops’ Assembly remotely


At the invitation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, the Bishops’ Assembly will be held in the Austrian city of Sankt Pölten on February 16-19. The authorities have imposed a ban on six bishops and an archbishop, members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, from being absent from the country. Remote participation cannot pose a problem in terms of legitimacy and challenging the decisions made.

The authorities violate the presumption of innocence of the members of the "Holy Struggle". Lawyer


At the court hearing in the "Holy Struggle" case, lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan described the statements made by the ruling party in the National Assembly as a violation of the presumption of innocence and political pressure on the judicial process. During the hearing, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan stated that the authorities are targeting them. The issues of changing the measures of restraint for the members of the "Holy Struggle" will be discussed from the next hearing.
 

A festive Liturgy was served at the Mother See on the occasion of Barekendan itself


Great Barekendan is the day preceding the Sabbath and Great Lent, during which moderate enjoyment and various dishes are allowed. During Barekendan, people pass from mourning to joy, from suffering to peace. The closed curtain of the altar, the modest ceremony of the Liturgy is an exhortation to the faithful to pass the 48-day period of fasting with reflection
 

The proceedings initiated against His Holiness the Patriarch have caused great concern


Many human rights organizations, political and public figures, and lawyers have issued statements criticizing the authorities' steps, describing them as a historically shameful act. Doctor of Law Gevorg Danielyan believes that the underlying reasons for this are the statements made by the spiritual leader of Azerbaijan, Pashazade, against the Armenian Apostolic Church. On February 10, during a meeting with the Pope in the Vatican, Pashazade again accused the Catholicos of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church of obstructing the peace process.
 

An event in memory of the writer was held at the Ruben Sevak Museum


On February 15, Ruben Sevak's birthday, February 15, was celebrated at the Ruben Sevak Museum of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin with speeches, recitals, and concert performances presenting the life and work of the great Armenian.
 

Court Replaces Arrest of Brother and Nephew of Catholicos of All Armenians with House Arrest


The Armavir Regional Court of First Instance has lifted the arrest imposed on the brother of the Catholicos of All Armenians, Gevorg Nersisyan, and nephew, Hambardzum Nersisyan, and has imposed alternative measures of restraint: house arrest, a 1 million dram bail, and a ban on absence. The key basis for the court’s decision was the defense team’s arguments that all important witnesses in the criminal case have already been questioned, and the fact that the defendants are at large cannot hinder the investigation of the case.
 

The court extended the detention of Archbishop Bagrat for another 2 months


Archbishop Bagrat stated that he is unacceptable for house arrest on bail and a ban on leaving the country, considering it the most insulting measure. Defense attorney Hovhannes Khudoyan stated that the prosecution is illegal, based on false evidence and does not imply a criminal procedural goal. He also noted that the case is being considered in the context of an anti-church campaign, with the isolation of a clergyman with influence within the Armenian Apostolic Church, which, according to him, facilitates the campaign against the church.
 

The videos attributed to Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan are fake- Lawyer


The defense team of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan has sent the published videos to international experts, the results of which are almost the same: the videos have been processed, the sound and image do not match each other. According to him, the videos are fake, it is impossible to identify the people appearing in them. Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan has been in prison since December 4. He is accused of an article related to the sale of drugs, which the defense has described as absurd.

The procession of the Brotherhood of the Mother See participated in the Evening Service under the presiding authority of His Holiness


The evening services or daily services at different times of the church day are an integral part of the liturgy of our church. Especially during Great Lent, it is very important to participate in these ceremonies and prepare for the Holy Resurrection through prayer and transformation. The procession of the monks of the Mother See accompanies the Armenian Patriarch to the Mother Cathedral, where the evening service will be performed under the presiding authority of His Holiness.

 

The Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra continues to operate


After many trials and hardships, the musicians of the Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra are having their first rehearsals in Armenia and preparing for a concert. Artistic director, renowned trumpeter Tigran Suchyan is convinced that regardless of the circumstances and mood, one must work.