Appeal by Armenian Top Clergymen to Free Two Archbishops from Armenian Prison
The Primates and Patriarchal Legates of the Armenian Apostolic Church worldwide issued on August 18, 2025, a joint statement appealing for the release of two Archbishops imprisoned in Armenia by the Armenian government at the orders of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan:
“We, the Diocesan Primates and Patriarchal Delegates of the Diaspora, express our deep concern regarding the continued imprisonment of Archbishops Michael Ajapahian and Bagrat Galstanian.
For our faithful people, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and our clergy, the continued detention of two high-ranking clergy by the judicial system of the Republic of Armenia is an unusual and heartbreaking phenomenon.
We believe that the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention against them can be replaced by alternative means of remaining in freedom until a fair judicial verdict is delivered.
Being closely acquainted with the life path of our two spiritual brothers, their personal and spiritual activity and dedicated service, as well as their public authority, we are convinced that, being at liberty, they will in no way hinder the preliminary investigation or trial process.
It is our expectation and fervent desire that the trials of the two archbishops be conducted openly and transparently, exclusively on the basis of the rule of law and justice, ensuring equal protection of the rights of all parties.
We continue to pray for the health and well-being of our spiritual brothers and are full of hope that as a result of a legal and fair trial they will be vindicated and their full rights will be restored.”
Diaspora Diocesan Primates and Patriarchal Delegates of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church:
1. Archbishop Khajak Barsamian (Italy)
2. Archbishop Hakob Gelnjian (Uruguay)
3. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (Western USA)
4. Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan (Russia)
5. Archbishop Movses Movsisyan (Russia)
6. Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanian (Latvia)
7. Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan (Egypt)
8. Bishop Armash Nalbandian (Syria)
9. Bishop Markos Hovhannisyan (Ukraine)
10. Bishop Hovakim Manoukian (Great Britain)
11. Bishop Tatev Hakobyan (Romania)
12. Bishop Narek Berberian (Brazil)
13. Bishop Abgar Hovakimian (Canada)
14. Bishop Vartan Navasardian (Australia)
15. Bishop Serovbe Isakhanian (Germany)
16. Bishop Tiran Petrosian (Austria)
17. Bishop Oshagan Gulgulian (Iraq)
18. Bishop Mesrob Barsamian ( Eastern USA)
19. Bishop Giragos Davtian (Georgia)
20. Bishop Aren Shahenian (Argentina)
21. Bishop Grigor Khachatryan (France)
22. Bishop Khoren Arakelian (Greece)
