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
In Chernivtsi, another seizure of UOC cathedral prepared
Believers of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy have been called to intensified prayer due to the threat of a new forceful provocation.
Rivne Eparchy venerates "Life-Giver" Icon of Most Holy Theotokos
On the day of veneration of the "Life-Giving" icon, the UOC hierarchs celebrated the Liturgy and held a procession at the Mezhyrich Monastery.
In Romania, memorial cross placed on site of church demolished under communism
In Bucharest, a monument was blessed on the site of the Spirea Veche Church, which was destroyed in 1984 for the construction of the "House of the People".
Pope calls European military spending as betrayal of diplomacy
The pontiff called on students not to confine themselves within national borders and ideologies.
Rada creates “Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” association
The inter-factional parliamentary association in the Verkhovna Rada will be headed by MP Heorhiy Mazurashu.
Trial of Metropolitan Arseniy in Dnipro postponed until June
The hearing at the Chechelivka District Court was postponed due to the defense’s complaint over the replacement of the prosecutorial team and motions filed by three of the four lawyers.