Clergy members in the Masis Diocese were targeted by individuals attempting to influence them to align with the former diocesan leader, according to a public statement by the Diocese. These individuals reportedly included local government employees and others considered influential in the priests’ communities.

The Diocese reported that these efforts involved various tactics, such as friendly persuasion, offers of improved working conditions, and in some cases, direct threats and pressure. The ultimate goal was to compel the priests to recognize and follow the former diocesan leader’s authority.

Some local government staff allegedly cited a court ruling to claim that the priests were obligated to vacate their churches, presenting this as a directive from Bishop Gevorg.

However, the Diocese emphasized that none of the priests yielded to the pressure or proposals. They firmly stated their commitment to serve in accordance with the Constitution and canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church and vowed to uphold Church order regardless of external influence.

The most intense pressure was reportedly directed at clergy in the Ararat and Vedi regions.

One testimony shared in the statement read: “I just returned from the mayor’s office. He passed on the bishop’s message, saying that if I don’t report to the bishop within two days, I’ll be dismissed.”

On January 10, by the directive of the Catholicos of All Armenians, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan was relieved of his duties as Primate of the Masis Diocese. The Reverend Father Ruben Zargaryan has been appointed Acting Primate of the Diocese.