At this moment, we know that the primate of the Diocese of Aragatsotn of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Mkrtich Proshyan, and his priests have been detained. Father Yesayi Artenyan, Director of the Information Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am on Wednesday.

“In total, seven clergymen have been detained, as well as diocesan employees who are not clergy. The priests are at the Investigative Committee [of Armenia], while there is no information about Mkrtich Proshyan’s whereabouts — we are currently trying to clarify those details. Clarifications will be provided later if necessary.

As the lawyer noted, based on the accusations or statements made by Father Aram on Public Television, Daniel Ioannisyan [program coordinator of the ‘Union of Informed Citizens’ NGO] submitted a report [regarding an investigation[,” Artenyan said.

He added that spiritual life continues in the Hovhannavank Monastery, and Father Manuk, who had been appointed to a clerical position there, is among those detained.

Artenyan recalled that this campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Church had not started just recently.

“One must be blind not to understand that these events are taking place within the framework of this campaign,” Artenyan added.

In his assessment, the calls for the “liberation” of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will not succeed.