In Sight
The complex relationship between Armenians and their church
Given the recent tragic skirmishes between the government of Armenia and the national church, which have created yet another self-inflicted wound, it seems like an appropriate time to discuss the unique relationship Armenians have with their church. To fully comprehend the response of many individual Armenians and organizations, it is important to examine this reaction through the multiple dimensions we call the “church.”
At the foundation of our association is our Christian faith. Many
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The issue of Armenian state and church relations is a complex and a convolute matter. Since I am at home with the Armenian Evangelical Church (married) as I am with the Armenian Apostolic (baptized) – I think a common experience with those of Kessab heritage – I will make the following generalizations from my experiences, as generalizations go. Armenians perceive the Armenian Evangelical church, as church goes, differently than they perceive the Armenian Apostolic Church, as church goes. Both are earthly institutions run by humans of flesh and blood. Theologically, the Armenian Evangelical Church does not uphold the infallibility of the church. I am not sure how the Armenian Apostolic Church views the infallibility of the church. But there was a time when the perception of the Armenian Apostolic Church was national (azkayin). But in a free, independent, democratic, sovereign Armenia, the perception of the Armenian Apostolic Church is pollical that may or may not be in sync with the state’s. If Armenians are to have a sovereign republic, a new experience, especially the Armenian Apostolic Church will have to make adjustments but not as much the Armenian Evangelical Church.
Vahe Jan,
The idea of infallibility of the church was at no time was part of the doctrine.
The idea of infallibility came in light at Vatican I. The council was convoked by Pope Pius IX on 29 June 1868, under the rising threat of the Kingdom of Italy encroaching on the Papal States. It opened on 8 December 1869 and was adjourned on 20 September 1870 after the Italian Capture of Rome. Its best-known decision is its definition of papal infallibility.
Garibaldi (a free mason), challenged the authority of the Pope). Then the Catholic Church excommunicated all free Masons until 1983.
So the idea of infallibility was foreign in Christendom until Vatican I.
The Armenian Church never officially declared itself infallible, although some clergy may have implied without any basis.
There is a parallel here, when Pashinian, the revolutionary like Garibaldi has been trying to conquer Etchmiadzin, the catolicos in his turn acting like Pope Pius IX, and as well declare himself infallible.
Greeting Stepan, I admire your noble desire (that civility and collaboration prevail to ensure a bright future for our homeland. ), and hopefully your desire is shared with most of Armenian .
However it seems you do not feel to be part of the thinking that puts ” stathood ” as the ONLY savior of Armenian nation.
For some unclear reasons you have chosen to ignore the facts on the ground
1- As from 2018 open an opposition of present leadership of Armenian church ( in strong alliance with former Russian poppets Kocharian and Sarkisyan) has been started against the first democratically elected government of Armenia.
2- You chose to ignor recent terrorist efforts, organised by very high ranking Armenian church leaders for bloody overthrow of present Armenian government.
3- You chose to ignore open conversations of assassinations of prime ministers , head of parlement and foreign minister in one go, by middle ranking clergy .
And many more serious anti government activities
What is your thinking behind ignoring these live facts.
lgnoring Armenian government and Armeninan church leadership past and present warfare like relation facts, makes your message void of realities
Kind regards
Garnik
Garnik…
Thank you for your comments. To clarify my intent in this piece was to analyze the multiple dimensions of the Armenians with their church and not to delve into tragic current conflict. Much has been written about that but not nearly enough on the complex relationship of our people and their church which may help us understand current responses.
Thank you
Let’s never forget that Mr. Pashinyan represents the democratic will of the Armenian people. Armenia is now a “Westernized” country with “European” aspirations. Always remember that. Therefore, let’s please show the duly-elected leader of Armenia some respect, as he is the Western-financed and Turkish-led political activist a clear majority of our people, both in the homeland and in the diaspora, wanted to lead Armenia not only in 2018 but also in 2020, 2021 and 2023. In 2024, Bishop Bagratyan finally proved that the Armenian people don’t want change. So be it. Let’s respect the “democratic” wish of the “people”. If you believe in “people power”, “democracy”, “westernization” and “the American way”, stop your constant complaining and start supporting Mr. Pashinyan in his historic mission to turn Armenia into a Turkish/Azeri Vilayet.
PS: I would really like to see Russia cut-off all financial, economic and energy ties with Armenia (the only thing keeping the remote, landlocked and impoverished nation afloat) and take its troops stationed on Armenia’s border with Turkey (the only thing keeping NATO-member Turkey out of Armenia) back to Russia. Sometimes you just have to let a terminally ill patient die (a la Kevorkian)…