Fr. Asoghik Karapetyan, director of the Museums and Archives of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, has been summoned for questioning by Armenia’s Investigative Committee. The inquiry is reportedly linked to media reports regarding the Holy Lance (Surb Geghard).
Kima Avdalyan, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, declined to comment, as reported by Aysor.am : “No comment.”
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the matter is under investigation as part of a criminal case.
Pro-government media had previously published claims suggesting that the Holy Lance — one of the most sacred relics of the Armenian Church — had been sold.
In response, Fr. Asoghik firmly denied the allegations, stating that all relics and sacred objects of the Mother See are preserved unharmed and with utmost responsibility in the Echmiadzin Treasury.
"The Holy Lance, believed to have pierced Christ, is not only a national relic but also a pan-Christian sacred object that has been safeguarded by the Armenian Church for centuries. Since 2014, by decree of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, it is brought out once a year so pilgrims — Armenian and foreign — can see it.
Dear ones, do not be swayed by these vile lies and videos being circulated by certain circles with malicious intent to sow discord.
Pious Armenians remain loyal to their Holy of Holies, the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, and possess the spiritual and national consciousness to reject and repudiate all evil thoughts, words, and deeds.
I am confident that by the power of the Holy Lance, those slanderous mouths and impure souls will face divine retribution. So be it," Fr. Asoghik stated.
