Construction work underway in Talin Church without consent of Aragatsotn Diocese
According to the Diocese of Aragatsotn, the Talin municipality, without preliminary discussion and consent from the Diocesan Administrative Council, has started construction work in the courtyard of the Holy Mother of God Church in Talin.
The Diocesan Administrative Council reports that the municipality decided to dismantle the churchyard fence and organize the renovation process, bypassing the representatives of the Diocese and failing to receive a blessing.
The Council emphasizes that the church, along with its entire territory, belongs to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and therefore any construction work is subject to agreement. The Administrative Council of the Aragatsotn Diocese has condemned such a move by the municipality, while assuring that it is ready for cooperation with all those who wish to support the church’s construction or restoration programs.
It should be recalled that on November 2, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that on November 9, he would attend the Divine Liturgy to be served by Father Tadey Takhamzyan at the Holy Mother of God Church in Talin. The head of the Talin community, Tavros Sapeyan, also confirmed his participation in the Liturgy.
At the same time, the Mother See announced that the issue of Father Tadey is on the agenda of the Disciplinary Affairs Committee. The clergyman had previously expressed his support for Father Aram, who had been declared unfrocked.