Political standoff at Armenian church sees clergy barred from entering video

A tense situation unfolded in Armenia near the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church in the town of Talin.

According to Caliber.Az, Armenian media reported that supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, led by community head Tavros Sapeyan, are preventing clergy of the Aragatsotn Diocese from entering the church.

Sapeyan stated that they would not allow Priest Hayk Kocharyan to enter the church because the Christmas liturgy is expected to be conducted by Takhmazyan (defrocked priest Aramais Takhmazyan – ed.).

Priest Hayk Kocharyan of the Surb Astvatsatsin Church has not even been allowed to enter the church to pray.

Clergy from the diocese recited the Lord’s Prayer at the entrance to the church.

A large number of police officers are present at the scene, led by Armenian Deputy Police Chief Karen Hakobyan.

By Tamilla Hasanova