Jailed archbishops call for unity around Armenian church

· October 31, 2025

Opposition Hayastan faction MPs Garnik Danielyan, Agnesa Khamoyan and Aghvan Vardanyan have visited imprisoned clergymen Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan and Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan at the National Security Service detention facility.

In a social media post following the meeting on Thursday, Danielyan said the two senior clerics remained optimistic and steadfast despite their imprisonment. “Their spirit, mood and determination were as strong as ever,” he wrote.

The archbishops said they continue to pray daily for the Armenian nation and homeland. They called on Armenians to unite around the Armenian Apostolic Church during these “times of trial” and to remain firm in the pursuit of truth and justice.

“They endure persecution with dignity, setting an example for all of us,” Danielyan wrote. “We have no right to waver or complain living in freedom. Their isolation is a great shame for the current authorities, but united, we will turn this shameful page.”

The MP quoted a verse from the Gospel of John: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).