The spiritual pastor of the Marmarashen Church of St. Gevorg, Father Ghazar Torosyan, commented in his post on the statement of Ani Khachatryan, a member of the “Republic” faction of the Yerevan Council of Elders.
He wrote, in particular: “Today, member of the Yerevan Council of Elders Ani Khachatryan, answering journalists’ questions, made unfounded and offensive statements against the clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the Catholicos of All Armenians. Judging by the expressions expressed, this briefing can hardly be described as anything other than a distortion of facts and an irresponsible attitude.
It is unclear why, instead of dealing with community issues, a council member uses her official position to spread labels and unfounded accusations against the church structure. When journalists tried to verify the information provided, the lady could not provide any justification, which indicates the superficiality of such statements and the pro-government desire to “say something.”
The phrase “Terti are businessmen” is not only unfounded, but also as inappropriate as if someone said “the council members behave immorally.” Any educated person should know that general and labeling statements offend many people, in this case their religious feelings, as well as clergy who have dedicated their lives to spiritual service.
Khachatryan notes that he goes to church, lights candles, but does not accept the Catholicos. Everyone can have their own opinion, and if they do not have the right information, they can exercise their right to remain silent. However, in the logic of the Christian faith, it is impossible to be part of the Church and at the same time reject its holiness. Yes, lighting candles is a pious custom, but faith is not limited to this. This habit, one might say, is only the beginning of a path of faith, beyond which no one has seen this lady.
I hope that among the lady’s relatives there are wise people who will remind her that before making new statements, it is necessary to deeply familiarize herself with the history and mission of the institution she is trying to attack.
At the same time, I would like to address our dear journalists in a friendly manner. These days, more than ever, “It is necessary to approach topics that concern national values, spiritual institutions and public sensitivity with professional integrity. We must ask competent, balanced and reality-oriented people to speak out on such important issues. Otherwise, distorted ideas are spread that have nothing to do with the truth, much less with the sanctity of faith.”