The National Assembly’s Inquiry Commission: A Veil to Conceal Illegal Actions


The case concerning the violation of the Armenian Church’s rights could be brought directly before international judicial bodies, provided it is substantiated that domestic legal avenues are ineffective. Anna Sargsyan spoke with Alvina Gyulumyan—the first judge from Armenia at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and former Deputy President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia.

And who will protect believers from the state?


According to official data from the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia—based on the most recent census conducted in 2022—approximately 95.4 percent of Armenia’s population (2,793,042 people) are followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Are the Armenian authorities, who are carrying out an anti-church campaign, infringing upon the religious freedom or other rights of 95.4 percent of their own country’s population? Anna Sargsyan spoke with Ara Ghazaryan, a lawyer and expert on human rights issues.

Court Hearing on the "Sacred Struggle" Case: Video Footage of Seized Weapons Examined


On October 29, the latest court hearing regarding the "Sacred Struggle" case took place at the Shengavit seat of the Yerevan Criminal Court of General Jurisdiction. During the session, the court spent approximately 2.5 hours reviewing video footage concerning weapons and ammunition that had undergone forensic examination. Throughout the trial—which has been ongoing for over a year—no physical evidence has been presented to substantiate the grave charges brought against the participants. The next court hearing has been scheduled for November 5 at 14:30.

Divisions Within the Church


Father David Gishyan and his audience explore the issues of intra-church schisms and divisions—as well as their underlying causes—as addressed in the Apostle Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians.
What types of social and religious groups existed in the ancient world? What role do the sacrament of baptism and the preaching of the Cross play in uniting the Christian community?

The Armenian Pontiff Receives the Anglican Bishop of Norwich


On October 25, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Catholicos of All Armenians received the Right Reverend Graham Barham Usher, the Anglican Bishop of Norwich and head of the Anglican Church delegation participating in the COP17 conference.
The Armenian Pontiff expressed satisfaction regarding the friendly relations between the Armenian Apostolic and Anglican Churches, and emphasized the importance of inter-church dialogue and cooperation in addressing the contemporary challenges facing humanity.

Qanun Class at the Malatia Armenian Youth Center


How does one play the qanun well? What are the nuances and characteristics of this national musical instrument? Students at the Malatia Armenian Youth Center are learning to play the qanun.

Servants of God and spiritual fathers


Father David Gishyan explores the fourth chapter of the Apostle Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians with his audience, focusing on the vital themes of spiritual maturation, upbringing, and fatherhood. What is required for a person to mature in mind and in their spiritual life? If the Corinthians were "infants in Christ," how were they to undergo the process of formation? From both pedagogical and spiritual perspectives, what do upbringing and fatherhood entail? Furthermore, what stages does the Apostle Paul outline before the community comes to perceive him as a spiritual father? The guest is Aram Pakhchanyan, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ayb Educational Foundation.

Spiritual Hymn: Rejoice, O Holy Church


The choir of deacons performs the hymn "Rejoice, O Holy Church," which belongs to the 31 musical mode. It is dedicated to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin—the homeland of our faith. The hymnographer invites us to rejoice, for Christ, the Heavenly King, has crowned the Church with His Cross and adorned its walls. Commentary is provided by Fr. Komitas Ghevondyan.

No Elements of a Crime, Yet the Court Must Determine the Sentence: Latest Hearing in the Nersisyan Case


On October 22, the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction of the Armavir Province continued the trial of Gevorg Nersisyan—brother of the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II and his son, Hambardzum Nersisyan. Although the case lacks the essential elements of a crime, and both witnesses and video evidence refute the charge of obstructing an election campaign, the court is now tasked with determining the sentence. The next court hearing has been scheduled for November 12 at 3:00 PM.

The role of the Armenian Church in the Armenian liberation struggle that unfolded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries


The Armenian Church, as a pan-national institution, and the Armenian clergy, as its ministers, played a significant role in the Armenian national liberation struggle that unfolded during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Church not only preserved the national and spiritual identity of the Armenian people but, in many instances, served as a vital hub for social cohesion; furthermore, individual members of the clergy participated directly in the struggle. The "Armenian Question" gained international significance and prominence, brought to the fore by Khrimyan Hayrik, who had been authorized by the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople to represent the concerns and interests of the Armenians at the Congress of Berlin. Upon his return to the homeland, he urged his compatriots to cast aside the "paper ladles" of negotiation and instead adopt the path of the "iron ladle"—following the example of the Balkan peoples.

Potential Consequences of Dissolving the Spiritual Leadership Service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia


By order of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, the spiritual leadership service within the Armed Forces was dissolved; consequently, as of February 1, 2026, approximately 50 military chaplains have departed from their respective military units.
According to human rights defender Zhanna Aleksanyan, the military chaplain served as a trusted source of support, standing right by the soldier’s side.
As noted by Archimandrite Movses Sargsyan, the clergy played a role in preventing negative phenomena and conflicts within the army.
According to data from the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, 34 deaths were recorded in the army between January 1 and September 22 of that same year.

The Historical and Cultural Context of Corinth


Father David Gishyan explores the epistles of the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, shedding light on the historical, geographical, and religious environment of ancient Corinth. The discussion also covers the three fundamental levels of biblical interpretation, the Apostle’s opening greeting, and the spiritual significance of being "sanctified." The guest is archaeologist Arsen Bobokhyan.