More than 10 clergymen from the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church received notices to participate in military training exercises while visiting Armenia.

Аccording to RIA Novosti, the diocese’s press service stated: “As a result of the decision to conduct the training exercises on an urgent and unexpected basis, the clergy were unable to return to their places of service on time, which disrupted the normal functioning of the parishes. Nevertheless, the clergy are ready to fulfill their duty to the Homeland.”

The diocese noted that journalist Suzy Badoyan had earlier reported that two clergymen serving in Russian parishes were unable to return from Armenia after receiving notices requiring them to attend 25-day military training exercises.

The diocese clarified: “Father Arsen Israelyan of St. Sarkis Church in Voronezh and Father Yeremia Vardanyan of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Izhevsk, both of whom previously served in the army, are already participating in the training exercises.”

Since February 1, under an order issued by Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, the activities of Armenian Apostolic Church clergy providing spiritual service within the country’s armed forces have been suspended.