Etchmiadzin Condemns ‘Inappropriate Events’ At Church Run By Defrocked Priest

· September 7, 2026

Azatutyun.am

Hovhannavank, a medieval monastery located in the village of Ohanavan in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia (file photo).

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has condemned what it described as “inappropriate events” at a church still run by a priest who was defrocked last year after publicly supporting a government campaign against Catholicos Garegin II.

In a statement issued on September 7, the governing body of the Armenian Apostolic Church referred to videos circulating on social media since Sunday showing loud pop music being played on the grounds of Hovhannavank, a medieval monastery in Armenia’s western Aragatsotn province.

Despite being declared defrocked in October 2025, Father Aram, now referred to by the Church by his secular name, Stepan Asatrian, refused to hand over the keys to Hovhannavank and continues to conduct services there, with clergymen loyal to Garegin II having no access to the site.

The Church expressed concern over the alleged party held at Hovhannavank, saying it “disrupted the monastery’s spiritual and prayerful atmosphere, causing concern among local residents.”

The Mother See said the events were the direct result of what it described as “open government patronage and permissiveness” toward the defrocked priest. It said this violated Armenian law and the rights of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“The fact that Hovhannavank has been seized, as well as the arbitrary actions taking place there, also offend the pious feelings of the faithful and violate their rights, misleading devout visitors through invalid rites and religious services,” the Mother See said.

Asatrian rejected allegations that inappropriate music was played at Hovhannavank following a wedding ceremony, describing the videos posted online as “defamatory.” He claimed that the music had been added to the footage through “simple computer editing.”

Still, the Mother See renewed its appeal to state authorities to refrain from what it called “divisive interference” in church affairs and to restore the legal status of Hovhannavank and other “seized” churches.

Asatrian was defrocked by order of the Catholicos of All Armenians after he was accused of discrediting the Armenian Church, a diocesan leader, and fellow clergy through public statements and speeches. The Church also accused him of arbitrarily omitting the names of the Catholicos of All Armenians and diocesan leaders during liturgies.

Asatrian has disputed the legality of his defrocking. He has said that, as a citizen, he has the right to express his views and support the positions of political forces, while also arguing that the Armenian Church needs reform.

The Armenian Apostolic Church’s failure to reinstate a defrocked priest despite a court order is at the heart of a current legal dispute in which Catholicos Garegin II and six other senior clergymen stand trial.