In Moscow, Archbishop Yezras passes Catholicos Garegin II’s thanks for “Christian values” to Putin
- Published
- Place
- Red Square, Moscow, Russia
- Event date
- Past event —
Summary
Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan, conveyed to Vladimir Putin on Wednesday 4 November the congratulations and thanks of his brother, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. The brief exchange took place on Red Square in Moscow after a wreath-laying at the Minin and Pozharsky monument for Russia’s National Unity Day, which the president attended with representatives of religious denominations. “I am passing on thanks for your attitude to Christian values,” the archbishop said. “Thank you for pursuing such a consistent line in support of the very values that unite us,” Putin replied, according to footage broadcast by Sputnik Armenia.
Analysis
The exchange comes amid an open conflict between Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Catholicos, whose departure the prime minister has demanded. Garegin II and six bishops are on trial for obstructing the enforcement of a court ruling; the hearing resumes on 6 November. This public exchange highlights the ties between the Church hierarchy and Moscow, while Yerevan has distanced itself from Russia and is aiming for the European Union.
Possible consequences
The trial of Catholicos Garegin II and the six bishops is due to resume on 6 November in Yerevan.
