Father Zareh Ashuryan, parish priest of St. Sarkis Church in Theodosia and formerly of the Masis Diocese, raised alarm on Facebook over threats targeting clergy. He questioned the silence of human rights organizations, noting that some priests fear even leaving their families home alone due to threats of physical retaliation.
He stated that the world is blind to their suffering: “Why are accredited diplomatic missions in our country silent when so much hate speech is being directed at clergy—just because they don’t align with authorities against the Holy Church? When our clergy fear for their families under threat of violence?
Democracy and the inviolability of private life are under threat. The world is blind; their eyes are closed to our struggles. They don’t see the suffering of our clergy and faithful,” he wrote.
The Masis Diocese released a statement claiming that several priests were contacted by various individuals, including municipal employees and influential figures close to the clergy. These individuals allegedly tried—through friendly persuasion, promises of better working conditions, or threats—to pressure priests into supporting the former diocesan leader and recognizing his ecclesiastical authority.
