Archbishops Mikael and Bagrat respond to anti-church actions by group  of bishops

ArmInfo. The imprisoned head of the Shirak Diocese, Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, and the leader of the "Sacred Struggle" movement, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan,  issued a statement regarding the actions of 10 bishops of the  Armenian Apostolic Church who have joined the anti-church campaign of  the current Armenian authorities. In a message distributed by the  archbishops from prison, they noted that the statement issued on  November 27 by a group of clergy and the shameful meeting that  followed compel them to make the following statement with deep  sorrow:

"We condemn this attempt and process of creating a schism through  conspiratorial, secretive behavior; we condemn the interference of  secular authorities, especially traitorous and treasonous ones, in  the resolution of internal Church issues; we call on traitors to  return to the canonical field and raise their concerns within the  Church and in the authorities.

We appeal to His Holiness the Patriarch, deeming it necessary to  convene a meeting of bishops to discuss the existing issues and  prepare the agenda for the National Church Assembly. We also insist  on ensuring the participation of the three illegally imprisoned  clergy.

We pray, hope, and express our confidence that His Holiness the  Patriarch will remain strong and steadfast, and that our Holy Church,  guided by the Holy Spirit, will overcome this trial of evil."

Earlier, a group of clergy joined the anti-church campaign launched  by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, demanding that the  Catholicos of All Armenians resign.