Pro-Pashinian Priest Defrocked By Armenian Church
A priest who helped Armenian authorities arrest two clergymen was defrocked by the Armenian Apostolic Church leadership after pledging allegiance to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.
Priest Aram Asatrian, who served at Hovanavank monastery, attacked top clergy over a month ago amid Pashinian's attempts to depose Catholicos Garegin II, accusing them of corruption and indecent behavior.
- Asatrian alleged he was forced to attend opposition rallies in 2021.
- Law-enforcement authorities used his allegations to arrest 13 clergymen from the Aragatsotn province on October 15.
Pashinian's campaign against the church's supreme head sparked the controversy.
Author's summary: Priest defrocked after pledging allegiance to Pashinian.