Armenian Church bishop sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment
Archbishop Mikael Adjapakhyan. Photo: armenpress
The Yerevan court sentenced the head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, to two years in prison. As Armenpress reports, this is stated in the published final part of the verdict.
He is charged under part 2 of article 422 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (public calls for the seizure of power, violation of territorial integrity, renunciation of sovereignty, or violent overthrow of the constitutional order).
The archbishop does not admit guilt and considers the case political. In court, he stated that even being behind bars, he feels free and grateful for the opportunity to "talk to God and himself".
The start of the term is set from the moment of the actual detention of the archbishop. He has been in custody for more than three months, since June 28.
In the same month, Archbishop Bagrat (Vazgen Galstanyan), who heads the Tavush Diocese and the movement "Sacred Struggle", was arrested on similar charges. He also criticizes Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and is accused of attempting to seize power.
As the UOJ wrote, earlier the court found the head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church guilty.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.