Law enforcement conducts searches and arrests in Armenia’s Aragatsotn Eparchy
Cathedral of Echmiadzin. Photo: armeniatoday
On October 15, 2025, searches and arrests were conducted in the Aragatsotn Eparchy of Armenia. Investigative actions took place in the eparchial administration, as well as in the homes of Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, several priests, and staff members, reports Armenia Today.
According to the Church, the head of the diocese and 12 clergymen, as well as several diocese employees, were detained. For several hours, their whereabouts were not disclosed, and they were not provided with legal assistance. In Etchmiadzin, the events were seen as part of an anti-church campaign aimed at undermining the Church's authority and intimidating the clergy.
The statement notes that "persecutions characteristic of totalitarian systems violate the right to freedom of religion and deepen societal division." Etchmiadzin urged the clergy and believers not to succumb to provocations and to maintain unity.
The Investigative Committee of Armenia confirmed that searches and arrests are being conducted as part of a criminal case regarding possible pressure on clergymen to participate in rallies. Amid the events, a sharp confrontation between the country's authorities and Etchmiadzin continues.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a bishop of the Armenian Church was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment by the court.
Read also
The Council of Europe Has Warned of Censorship Risks in Ukraine's New Civil Code
Experts noted that the provisions of the draft Civil Code could be used to pressure media outlets and restrict freedom of speech.
Vinnytsia to Allocate 46 Million Hryvnias for Synagogue Restoration
Vinnytsia authorities plan a large-scale restoration of the Raikher Synagogue, built in 1903.
Poroshenko prayed with the Uniates and called on Ukrainians to unite around the UGCC
The ex-president emphasized that the UGCC stands alongside its people.
In the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the memory of Hieromartyr Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) was honored
Services were held in the Lavra in honor of the finding of the relics of Hieromartyr Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
A major international forum on the heritage of the Apostle Paul is taking place in Greece
The 32nd scholarly symposium «Pauleia» has opened in Veria, with the participation of representatives of Local Churches and theologians from various countries.
Priest: We gather near Lavra to strengthen ourselves and our neighbors in faith
At the prayer vigil, the faithful were called to keep the faith and to treasure the saints as proof of the true canonical Church.