Armenian clergy confront NSS officers to prevent Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan’s arrest

On June 27, tensions inside the Mother See escalated when gathered supporters prevented law enforcement from taking Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, head of the Shirak Diocese, from Etchmiadzin.

A highly tense situation has unfolded at the courtyard of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. A large number of law enforcement officers, including special forces, were deployed to the scene to arrest Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the Shirak Diocese head. In response, a large crowd had gathered at the Mother See to express their support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and its clergy. Following the opening of the main gates, a scuffle broke out, escalating into pushing and shoving between those present. The church bells of the Mother See begun ringing continuously, signaling alarm.

Archbishop Ajapahyan’s condition reportedly worsened after being dragged by police, but his lawyer Mihran Poghosyan said his health is now satisfactory. In the morning, about 30 masked individuals stormed the Shirak Diocese residence, according to Poghosyan.

Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) later announced it has decided to withdraw from the territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. According to an official statement, this step was taken to avoid potential or intentional escalation during the attempt to arrest Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan