THEY WILL BACK THE PRIMATE ANYWAY
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[01:09 pm] 01 December, 2008
An initiative group has launched collection of signatures in support
of Michael Ajapahyan, primate of the Diocese of Shirak marz.
The group vows to do everything to prevent the unpopular developments
and impertinent interference with the spiritual life of the diocese
and expose the plot to replace the primate.
"Michael Ajapahyan has been improving the spiritual life of communities
for nine years, immediately after assuming the post. There is no
community in our region which has not got his blessing. Liturgies
have been recited even in rundown churches and chapels. The social
and educational centre, the youth council of the Diocese of Shirak of
the Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Hakob Mtsbnetsi and other unions
of Christian youth have been set up thanks to Ajapahyan. He has also
organised pilgrimages to churches and sanctuaries. His sermons and
precepts form an indivisible part of our spiritual life."
The message voices indignation with the plot of the administrative and
criminal force against this healthy spiritual strand in an effort to
engage the archbishop in political matters and to manipulate his civil
stance. The members of the initiative state this is a precedent when
the political government constrains the activities of the spiritual
leader, causing a surge of protest in the region.
"We, the children of the Armenian Church, voice our indignation
over this intolerable phenomenon and express our determination and
resoluteness to back the primate enjoying public love and respect to
the end," holds the message.