"Zhoghovurd" daily writes:
"Tensions in the political and spiritual life of Armenia are entering a new phase. In recent days, the statements of the highest authorities (Vice President of the National Assembly) are more than direct. All-Armenian Catholicos Garegin II should release the Cathedral and leave.
Veharan's reaction and internal position The Catholicos did not make open comments, but during the last speech, when he welcomed the participants of the pilgrimage, he spoke about "political persecution" without naming names. That speech was perceived by many as a reference to the authorities.
According to "Zhoghovurd" daily, the Catholicos inside Veharan declared that he is ready to face any pressure, even in case of arrest by law enforcement officers. He emphasized that he will not give up his Catholicism, even if he has to lead the church from prison.
This is already a manifestation of institutional resistance and will. Especially, if we add to this information the statement of the Great House of Cilicia Catholicos Aram I, defending the Catholicos, that the government in Armenia should be changed. The criminal case and internal crisis line It is known to the public that a criminal proceeding was initiated based on the recording with the participation of Bishop Nathan.
According to open sources, Reverend Nathan has already been invited for questioning by investigative bodies. According to the information leaked to "Zhoghovurd" daily from the law enforcers, the investigation may also include searches in Veharan and the arrest of the Catholicos. All this is perceived in the public arena not only as a legal process, but also as a blow to the authority of the spiritual institution.
At the same time, the priest Ter Aram, who was declared out of order by the Catholicos, who, according to the information, is going to offer mass in Hovhannavank with the participation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, will become the occasion of a new scandal.
Legally, a disbanded priest cannot perform a ritual ceremony, however, according to some sources, a mass gathering and a possible march to Etchmiadzin are planned for that event. The tension between the Catholicos and the government has turned into a deep crisis of state-church relations.
When the spiritual authority becomes the object of political struggle, the public balance itself is threatened."
Details in today's issue of "Zhoghovurd" daily.
