The Catholicosate – the Foundation of the National State


Ascension Day commemorates the historic day of the transfer of the Catholicosate of All Armenians from the city of Sis to Etchmiadzin in 1441. The reestablishment of the See in Holy Etchmiadzin is considered a turning point, a fateful national-political decision. Would we have the Republic of Armenia today if the Patriarchal See had not been transferred first outside Armenia and then returned to Armenia? Anna Sargsyan spoke with candidate of historical sciences Mikayel Malkhasyan.

After the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral, the Ascension Day games were played in the courtyard


An open painting lesson dedicated to the Ascension Day was held in the Mother See. Students from the Youth Center of Yerevan and Etchmiadzin gathered under the guidance of educators and spiritual ministers. Dance groups from the Youth Center, students from the circus school, dhol players, and kanon players performed at the entrance to the Mother See's Matenadaran. After the concert program, the students from the Youth Center met with His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrated the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ


On the occasion of the feast, a Holy and Immortal Liturgy was served at the Mother Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ under the presiding authority of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. It is commemorated 40 days after the Feast of the Resurrection, which concludes the period of Christ’s earthly mission. The Feast of the Ascension commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and his sitting at the right hand of the Father. The same day also commemorates the transfer of the See of the Catholicosate of All Armenians from the city of Sis to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in 1441.
 

They are trying to do everything to disrupt spiritual life: Father Aram Baghumyan


Father Aram Baghumyan, who serves in the Tavush diocese, notes that the reform of the Church takes place in the church itself, with God's providence and blessing, not in election programs. They can only support the clergy, but recent times show that they are trying to do everything to disrupt spiritual life, they are pushing the clergy out of state structures.
 

The provision regarding the church in the CC election program is the function of the Holy Spirit. Father Abel Kartashyan


Father Abel Kartashyan considers it ridiculous to imagine politicians who have taken upon themselves the function of the Holy Spirit, the reform of the church. He believes that the Armenian Apostolic Church is guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

Clergy Express Confidence in Church Regulations and Patriarchal See


The spiritual pastor of Haghartsin Monastery, Father Artak Mirzoyan, does not accept the majority of clergymen's plan to reform the Church politically. According to him, there is always reform within the church, but as clergymen, they see the reform plan differently.
 

Defrocked Arman Saroyan Withdrawn 15 Million AMD from the Mother See’s Account as of April 1


Defrocked cleric Arman Saroyan continues to manage the financial resources of the Mother See. As of April 1, he has withdrawn more than fifteen million AMD from these accounts, and there is a suspicion that he squandered these accounts. After being declared defrocked and removed from the position of the Primate of the Diocese, he went to court, challenging the management of the Catholicos of All Armenians. For four months now, the Primate and clergy of the Masyatsotn Diocese have been subjected to various repressions by the law enforcement system. Father Ruben regularly receives notices from the Compulsory Enforcement Service, threatening to bring him to criminal liability if he fails to comply with their demands. The priest has already been summoned to the Investigative Committee and questioned as a witness.

Criminal prosecution could not be initiated against Archbishop Mikayel. Lawyer


The leader of the Shirak diocese, Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, already participates in Sunday services, receives communion, but does not have the right to celebrate Mass and preach. In the previous session, the appeals court rejected the lawyers' petition, leaving the house arrest in force. Lawyer Yerem Sargsyan stated that the entire criminal proceedings are illegal. According to him, criminal prosecution and criminal proceedings could not be initiated against the Archbishop, since it is based on information received from an unlawful source.
 

Defense attorneys at hearing in holy struggle case consider parliament speeches to be obvious forgeries


At the court hearing, Archbishop Bagrat stated that this week high-ranking officials in parliament ignored the presumption of innocence, showed disrespect for the court and the entire legal system. The defense argued that the judge in this case has a biased attitude and knows exactly what decision he will make.
 

Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Newly Ordained Priests


The priests ordained on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross are currently undergoing a forty-day period of fasting and preparation in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness congratulated the priests and expressed hope that they will effectively carry out their spiritual ministry. His Holiness emphasized that the clergyman is a courageous shepherd, an exemplary figure who instills national values. The Armenian Patriarch noted that priests will encounter numerous difficulties and challenges in their pastoral service, which require strong faith, prudence and courage to overcome.

The Right to Life: "Thou shalt not kill"


The most famous saying of the Ten Commandments is: Thou shalt not kill. It enshrines the right to life of man. This limits the right of man to kill, to take the life of another. It is a duty so that your life is also protected. In other words, do not kill, so that you are not killed too. Here the right-duty relationship is visible. How can the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" define our rights and duties? Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan comments.

Mary's Hymn (1:46-56)


According to Luke, Mary said, “My soul will magnify the Lord, and my spirit will rejoice in God my Savior, for he has looked upon the lowliness of his handmaid; and from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Lord Almighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his name.” This part of the hymn is a proclamation of the fact that the Mother of God knows what is happening. Being a young virgin, not having much experience, not having known life, despite being inspired by the Holy Spirit, she is able to clearly express that what is happening in her life is with the blessing of God. What is the hymn of the Mother of God presented in verses 46-56 of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke about? Father Markos Mangasaryan explains.