Member of Parliament Garnik Danielyan from the Hayastan faction wrote on Facebook that the individual who climbed the pediment of the Mother Cathedral on December 18 is the deputy director of the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet.

He noted that he filed a criminal report on the spot after witnessing the man’s behavior.

“This person, displaying hooligan behavior by climbing the cathedral’s pediment, is none other than the deputy director of our national opera theater.

While trying to calm him down, Ter Vrtanes Baghalyan suffered a heart attack.

After witnessing this behavior, I immediately reported a crime to Police Chief Ghazaryan (as seen in the attached video).

It’s curious: what business does a cultural institution official have on the facade of the Mother See, seemingly directing an assault?

Is this how one repays the regime for protecting his post and ignoring his misconduct at the opera theater? Let me note that the press has circulated allegations of his inappropriate behavior.

I will also address separately the community heads who took part in this hooliganism, cursing their compatriots and using foul language.

All involved will be identified and held accountable sooner or later. Fear God’s judgment.

No one, whether a government representative, a bishop betraying his vows, or anyone who sacrifices holiness for position, will be forgiven for desecrating our Holy Church,” Danielyan wrote.

On December 18, ten bishops who had previously met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and called for a gathering demanding Catholicos Karekin II step down, issued a statement in Etchmiadzin before leaving quickly. Meanwhile, a church service was underway in the Mother Cathedral with the Catholicos in attendance.

“Another attempt at violating the sanctity of Holy Etchmiadzin took place today, regrettably, with the participation of some of our own clergy. Yet the faithful children of our people remain steadfast and unafraid. This noise raised within the Church can never disrupt our mission or our plans, which aim to glorify the Church and strengthen our nation,” said Catholicos Karekin II.