Your Grace Bishop Apkar Hovakimyan, and the Holy Cross Parish Council
Your Grace and Members of the Parish Council,
Following my previous open letter addressed to both the Primate and the Holy Cross Armenian Church Parish Council of Laval, I’m once again compelled to write concerning the recent development regarding the proposed sale of the Holy Cross Church property on St. Martin, Laval.
Recently, parishioners have received a letter or seen an official letter published on social media indicating that the Parish Council supports the sale of the property. This decision appears to have been made without consultation or the calling of a general assembly of the members, as required by the bylaws of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese, which I mentioned in my last open letter. Such an action is not only unlawful but also shows a serious disregard for the community’s democratic and spiritual rights.
Unfortunately, this entire situation began because of a continuous disregard for the law, a failure to learn from past mistakes, and a refusal to admit any wrongdoing. Arrogance has its limits; it must never replace accountability or respect for the community.
Let me emphasize once again, this letter is not for or against the sale of the property itself; my concern is solely about respecting and upholding the rules and the By-law that govern our Church. Neither the Primate nor the Parish Council is above those laws. The Church belongs to its faithful members, who have sustained it with their love, devotion, and sacrifices for more than three decades.
Therefore. I ask, who gives you the right to make such a unilateral decision? This is a grave breach of trust and respect toward the community you are meant to serve. Such behaviour undermines the very values our Church and our faith stand upon.
I urge you to act with integrity and transparency to call a general Assembly of parish members to openly discuss and decide the matter, as required. If you continue to ignore the will and the rights of the community, I must state clearly that both the Primate and the Parish Council will be held personally for this unlawful and disrespectful act, and your conscience will haunt you in the future forever.
We must not import the corruption, secrecy and authoritarian habits that have plagued our homeland. This is dangerously spreading all over the diaspora. I emphasize again that we should not let that practice happen here. We live in Quebec, Canada, a country founded on transparency, democracy, and respect for the law. These principles must also guide our Church leadership here.
Humbleness is the key; the faithful deserve to be treated with dignity. Respect the common people of your community, they are the true servants of Jesus, they do not ask for privilege, all they seek is respect. Do not remember them only when financial support is needed or when a plea is sent out to sustain the Church. Remember them always, because it is through their quiet faith and sacrifices that our Church stands strong.
To the members of the Parish Council, if you are being pressured to comply against your conscience, I urge you to stand for what is right. If necessary, resign rather than take part in an action that violates the bylaws and betrays the trust of the faithful.
With respect,
A concerned Parish Member,
Aline Darakdjian
