Archbishop Ajapahyan issues message from prison

On the 35th day of his detention, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan released a message from custody, declaring: “The Lord will not forgive the wretched henchmen who very well know what they are doing.”

He wrote: “Once again, I give thanks to the Almighty for deeming this unworthy one worthy of walking the path of atonement and trial—always by my side, comforting me through the Holy Spirit. Where there is suffering, there is also the Lord’s comfort.

Take heart, for the Lord always triumphs. He will prevail again—perhaps even through unworthy servants like me.

But I believe He will not forgive the wretched henchmen who knowingly do what they do… All who have stained themselves with injustice and bias will face their own Canossa—at best. And should you regain your strength, you will be defeated again, for God is with us.”

On June 27, around 30 masked individuals stormed the Shirak Diocese headquarters. Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, however, was at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, attending a clergy assembly. He later turned himself in to the Investigative Committee and was ordered detained for two months by court decision.

Ajapahyan faces criminal charges for allegedly making public calls aimed at seizing power, violating territorial integrity, relinquishing sovereignty, or overthrowing the constitutional order by force.