Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan’s Detention Extended for Another 2 Months


The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction has extended the detention of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan for another two months. Archbishop Arshak was detained on December 5 for a two-month period. A criminal case has been opened against him on suspicion of illegal drug trafficking, according to which he ordered a protester to “plant” drugs in his bag in 2018. The defense continues to insist that the accusation is fabricated and not substantiated by any factual evidence.
 

The issue of the detention of the Primate of the Shirak Diocese, Archbishop Michael, was examined in the Court of Appeals


In the Court of Appeals, the defenders of Archbishop Michael demanded a new judicial act and recognition of the innocence of the bishop, while the prosecution demanded that the bishop be kept behind bars for another six months. The court will make a decision on the measure of restraint for the bishop at the next court hearing.
 

The Court of Appeal replaced the preventive measure of Archbishop Michael with house arrest


The court forbade the bishop from leaving home, receiving guests, making telephone calls and conducting correspondence. Archbishop Michael appealed to the European Court of Human Rights regarding the violation of his rights. The complaint states facts of illegal detention, violation of freedom of expression, as well as deprivation of liberty and criminal prosecution for political purposes.
 

Harutyun Mkrtchyan's testimony contradicts the testimony of witnesses in the case. Lawyer


The court hearing in the case of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II's brother, Gevorg Nersisyan, and his son, Hambardzum Nersisyan, took place. They were arrested on charges of allegedly obstructing election campaigning during the election campaign in the Vagharshapat community. The defense is convinced that the absence of a crime and the numerous pieces of evidence in the case materials indicate that the criminal prosecution of Gevorg and Hambardzum Nersisyan is unfounded. The interrogation of witness Harutyun Mkrtchyan will continue on February 17.
 

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the memory of the priests of St. Ghevondyan


On the occasion of the memory of the priests of St. Ghevondyan, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral under the presiding authority of the Catholicos of All Armenians, which was attended by 217 clergymen serving in dioceses and church structures. After the Liturgy, an award ceremony for priests took place. Father Yesayi Artenyan was awarded the honor of senior priesthood from the Mother See, and Father Daniel Garajyan from the Armenian Diocese of Bulgaria. 30 priests were granted the right to wear a floral phylon, and 13 priests were granted the right to wear a priestly cross.
 

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the feast of St. Vardanants


Under the leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, a Holy and Immortal Liturgy was served in the Mother Cathedral of the Mother of God. The Patriarch, distributing a blessing to the faithful, entered the Mother Cathedral accompanied by a church procession. The feast of Vardanants unites in its meaning the memory of the heroes who defended the homeland in all times.
 

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the first andastan of the year was held


In the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, the monks walked around the church. They blessed the four corners of the world with the cross, the khatchvar and the gospel, and asked for fruitfulness for the year. At the end of the ceremony, with a candle lit from the lamp of the Holy Altar of the Descent of the Mother Cathedral, His Holiness, accompanied by a procession of clergy and believers, walked to the monastic building of the Mother See, next to which he lit the bonfire of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the national symbol of the feast.

 

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the first andastan of the year was held


In the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, the monks walked around the church. They blessed the four corners of the world with the cross, the khatchvar and the gospel, and asked for fruitfulness for the year. At the end of the ceremony, with a candle lit from the lamp of the Holy Altar of the Descent of the Mother Cathedral, His Holiness, accompanied by a procession of clergy and believers, walked to the monastic building of the Mother See, next to which he lit the bonfire of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the national symbol of the feast.

 

Clergy and faithful prayed for detainees and captives in Aruch Church


The clergy of the Aragatsotn diocese, the nuns of the Ghazaravan monastery and the faithful prayed together in the Holy Mother of God Church of Aruch for the clergy and captives who are in prison. On the same day, it became known that the court replaced the detention of the Primate of the Aragatsotn diocese, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, with house arrest. Father Shnorhk Paloyan conveyed the blessing and gratitude of the Primate of the diocese, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, to those present.
 

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord to the temple, His Holiness the Patriarch Blessed the Newlyweds


With the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, a Holy and Immortal Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral of the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord to the temple. More than 10 years ago, His Holiness the Patriarch established the order of blessing the newlyweds on the feast of the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord to the temple. After the Liturgy, he conveyed his appreciation and message to the newlywed deacons and the young couples. His Holiness expressed hope that many of them will join the ranks of the clergy in the near future, receiving the priesthood. The Patriarch instructed the wives of deacons to be the best collaborators and levers of their husbands on the path of spiritual mission.

 

The Sunrise Service was celebrated under the leadership of the Catholicos of All Armenians


On the first Wednesday of Great Lent, the Brotherhood of the Mother See, under the leadership of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, participated in the Sunrise Service. This mysterious ceremony, which takes place during Great Lent, has been part of the ritual life of our church since the 7th century. The hymns that sound in churches early in the morning on this day are a glorification of light and the divine Essence. The Divine Liturgy of the Sunrise Service also reminds us of the Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection of the righteous.

 

40% of citizens tested after the war showed signs of moderate and severe depression


The Armenian Spiritual Rehabilitation Foundation provides psychological support to people whose lives have been changed by the war. According to the analysis conducted by the foundation, about 40% of the 10,000 citizens tested in different parts of Armenia in recent years showed signs of moderate and severe depression. Over the past three years, specialists have supported about 5,000 beneficiaries, helping them overcome the consequences of psychological trauma and regain faith in their own strength.