The change of leadership in the Masis Diocese was not the result of coercion or pressure on priests, according to a statement issued by 19 clergymen of the diocese.
The replacement of the head of the Masis Diocese was not conditioned by any coercion or pressure exerted on the priests, the statement says.
It notes that in recent days the former head of the Masis Diocese has disseminated through various information platforms “false information distorting reality and malicious analyses” about the priests, which “require clarification.”
“The picture described by the former leader resembles a ‘kingdom of crooked mirrors’ — reality turned upside down. The accusations addressed to the Catholicos of All Armenians are, in fact, a description of his own methods, which he applied toward us, priests, throughout his tenure. It was precisely the years of his leadership that were marked by an atmosphere of fear, threats, humiliation, and constant uncertainty.
Standing before our conscience and responsibility, we presented to His Holiness the true image of the former leader. Today, looking back at the decision of His Holiness to replace the leader, we — priests and faithful — clearly and tangibly feel the breath of freedom and spiritual joy prevailing in the diocese, which the former leader is attempting to take away from us through anti-canonical and unconstitutional means,” the statement says.
It adds that former Bishop Gevorg accuses the priests of allegedly sacrificing the truth for daily bread, which they describe not only as slander but also as a grave insult to their dignity.
“For years, it was the direct duty of the diocesan leader to ensure our decent remuneration, which, despite numerous promises, was not fulfilled. Moreover, we priests were often subjected to pressure, forced to cover utility expenses of diocesan churches from our own funds, organize fundraising campaigns to assist needy priests and hold events, as well as engage in the sale of books and other items under the pretext of replenishing the diocesan budget. In many cases, we were obliged to pay ourselves for unsold books,” the clergy emphasized.
In their assessment, the frequent, arbitrary and selective changes of priests’ service locations by the former diocesan leader seriously affected not only the effectiveness of their ministry but also the psychological stability of their families.
By patriarchal decree of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan was relieved of his duties as Primate of the Masis Diocese on January 10. After challenging the decision in court and refusing to comply with the order, he was defrocked by the Catholicos on January 27. By patriarchal directive, Archimandrite Ruben Zargaryan was appointed acting head of the Masis Diocese.
On February 14, Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office initiated criminal proceedings against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on charges of obstructing the enforcement of a judicial act concerning former Primate of the Masis Diocese, defrocked Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, and imposed a travel ban preventing him from leaving Armenia.
