Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan’s Detention Extended for Another 2 Months


The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction has extended the detention of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan for another two months. Archbishop Arshak was detained on December 5 for a two-month period. A criminal case has been opened against him on suspicion of illegal drug trafficking, according to which he ordered a protester to “plant” drugs in his bag in 2018. The defense continues to insist that the accusation is fabricated and not substantiated by any factual evidence.
 

Defense lawyers petition to release Vahagn Chakhalyan from custody


The defense has submitted to the court the issue of changing Vahagn Chakhalyan's preventive measure, considering it legitimate to release him from custody, following the example of the other defendants in the case. Of the 18 defendants in this case, only Vahagn Chakhalyan and Bagrat Srbazan remain in custody, while other preventive measures have been applied to other members of the struggle.
 

Harutyun Mkrtchyan's testimony contradicts the testimony of witnesses in the case. Lawyer


The court hearing in the case of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II's brother, Gevorg Nersisyan, and his son, Hambardzum Nersisyan, took place. They were arrested on charges of allegedly obstructing election campaigning during the election campaign in the Vagharshapat community. The defense is convinced that the absence of a crime and the numerous pieces of evidence in the case materials indicate that the criminal prosecution of Gevorg and Hambardzum Nersisyan is unfounded. The interrogation of witness Harutyun Mkrtchyan will continue on February 17.
 

The authorities violate the presumption of innocence of the members of the "Holy Struggle". Lawyer


At the court hearing in the "Holy Struggle" case, lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan described the statements made by the ruling party in the National Assembly as a violation of the presumption of innocence and political pressure on the judicial process. During the hearing, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan stated that the authorities are targeting them. The issues of changing the measures of restraint for the members of the "Holy Struggle" will be discussed from the next hearing.
 

Bishops’ Assembly launches in St. Pölten, Austria


The Bishops’ Assembly is attended by twenty-five archbishops and bishops of the Catholicosate of All Armenians of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, including those from the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Nourhan Manukyan, and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Sahak Mashalyan, addressed the congregation with their fatherly words and messages.

Court Replaces Arrest of Brother and Nephew of Catholicos of All Armenians with House Arrest


The Armavir Regional Court of First Instance has lifted the arrest imposed on the brother of the Catholicos of All Armenians, Gevorg Nersisyan, and nephew, Hambardzum Nersisyan, and has imposed alternative measures of restraint: house arrest, a 1 million dram bail, and a ban on absence. The key basis for the court’s decision was the defense team’s arguments that all important witnesses in the criminal case have already been questioned, and the fact that the defendants are at large cannot hinder the investigation of the case.
 

The court extended the detention of Archbishop Bagrat for another 2 months


Archbishop Bagrat stated that he is unacceptable for house arrest on bail and a ban on leaving the country, considering it the most insulting measure. Defense attorney Hovhannes Khudoyan stated that the prosecution is illegal, based on false evidence and does not imply a criminal procedural goal. He also noted that the case is being considered in the context of an anti-church campaign, with the isolation of a clergyman with influence within the Armenian Apostolic Church, which, according to him, facilitates the campaign against the church.
 

Sundukyan National Academic Theater


The first state theater of Armenia, during its more than ninety-year history, has had different phases. Vardan Achemyan, Armen Gulakyan, Vahram Papazyan, Metaxia Simonyan, Khoren Abrahamyan, Mher Mkrtchyan… many famous directors and actors have created here. Today, the theater has entered a new era.

The Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra continues to operate


After many trials and hardships, the musicians of the Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra are having their first rehearsals in Armenia and preparing for a concert. Artistic director, renowned trumpeter Tigran Suchyan is convinced that regardless of the circumstances and mood, one must work.

Artsakh's "We Are Our Mountains" Song and Dance Ensemble


Artsakh group tries to reunite
 
After being forcibly deported from Artsakh, the “We Are Our Mountains” state song and dance ensemble is trying to reunite and continue its activities in Armenia. They have already managed to organize a concert, but not with a full lineup. Due to the lack of financial resources, the instrumental part of the group is missing, the musicians from Artsakh have taken on the mission of preserving their culture and are ready to perform regardless of difficulties.

"Karin" traditional song and dance group


Gagik Ginosyan's students are preparing to continue his work
 
The "Karin" traditional song and dance group, founded in 2001 by Honored Worker of Culture Gagik Ginosyan, continues to operate with the same traditions and spirit even after his death. Gagik Ginosyan's students have taken on the task of continuing their master's work with great responsibility and determination.

The mission of the four-part male choir of the Gevorgyan Spiritual Academy


The choir of the Gevorgyan Theological Seminary is working to participate in international competitions and release recordings in the near future. The choir's goal is to spread and make Armenian spiritual and folk songs recognizable, to be the bearer and continuer of the work of Father Komitas.