Parliament contemplates taxation of Armenian Apostolic Church

Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan believes that the issue of taxation of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) should be discussed in the near future.

The issue of taxation of the AAC was raised repeatedly. In response to these reproaches, Echmiadzin answered that they pay taxes, but the church is exempt from certain types of taxes "due to the nature of its educational, social and charitable activities". The Church does not pay property tax, but at the same time, it does not receive funds from the state for the preservation and improvement of spiritual centres, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

"Enough of playing on our emotions, history and, already working in politics, go to collect money from the diaspora. Selling candles, Coca-Cola, wine, having restaurants and not paying taxes," Simonyan said, speaking in parliament.

The Speaker said he wanted to understand why "a clergyman is above a mere businessman" paying taxes.

"For me, big taxpayers are the most important people. They finance Armenia's security," he said.

Simonyan is also dissatisfied with the fact that the protesters gather right on the territory of the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians in Yerevan, in the courtyard of St. Anna Church.

The revanchist leader Galstanyan holds daily meetings with citizens in the courtyard of St. Anna Church.