101 clergymen defrocked over 26 years

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has released official statistics on clergy excommunications in response to recent public discussions and allegations about excessive defrocking under Catholicos Karekin II.

According to the statement, during the 26 years of Karekin II’s tenure as Catholicos of All Armenians, 101 clergymen have been defrocked:

• 38 resigned voluntarily,
• 27 abandoned their posts,
• 15 were removed upon diocesan leaders’ recommendations,
• 21 were directly defrocked by the Catholicos.

The Church emphasized that these figures contrast with what it calls “exaggerated” claims circulated recently. It also noted that in 2011, a disciplinary commission was established to handle such matters.

Additionally, the Church reports that 491 clergymen have been ordained during the same 26-year period and are currently serving in Armenia and the Diaspora.

The announcement comes amid growing internal and public calls for reform in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently joined 10 bishops and archbishops in signing a declaration calling for church reform and the resignation of the Catholicos. A new Coordinating Council has been established to oversee this process, with unanimous consent required for membership.