Armenian govt prevents RF-based Armenian clergy from leaving the country

Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord of the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Moscow. Photo: open sources

On June 23, 2026, more than ten clergymen of the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church were prevented from leaving Armenia after receiving summonses for military training, according to Armenia Today.

The diocese stated that the clergy had been visiting Armenia but, after being served with the summonses, were unable to return to their parishes in Russia. As a result, the normal life of the affected parishes was disrupted.

The diocese emphasized that the priests are prepared to fulfill their duty to their homeland. It also commented on reports that two clergymen had been specifically barred from leaving Armenia.

The priests in question are Fr. Arsen Israelyan of St. Sarkis Church in Voronezh and Fr. Ieremia Vardanyan of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Izhevsk. According to the diocese, both had previously served in the army as chaplains and are already participating in the military training exercises.

Earlier, journalists reported that Armenia’s National Security Service had prohibited the two priests from returning to Russia. On June 15, Gegham Manukyan, a member of the opposition Armenia faction, stated that there had been numerous reports of several thousand citizens being barred from leaving the country based on data provided by the Military Police.

As the UOJ reported, the Armenian Catholicos previously warned the authorities against interfering in the affairs of the Church.

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