This is the second comment from Hagoբ I post on my blog because in addressing, in contextualizing and in civility, while making a forceful note, the two comments I read from him stood apart from the rest in the Armenian Weekly. His first comment was on June 4, 2025, to “Profane and unbecoming”, Church leaders condemn Pashinyan’s attack on Clergy” article (see the link below), and the second, copied here, was on July 2, 2025 to “Victory has no alternative’: Armenian authorities raid church, arrest cleric amid escalating tensions”. Both were posted by Hoory Minoyan. Vaհe H Apelian
“The recent events unfolding in Armenia, particularly the arrests of clergy and opposition figures affiliated with the Tavush for the Homeland movement, have sparked deep national concern. While criticism of government actions—especially those perceived as heavy-handed—is not only valid but vital in a democracy, we must reaffirm a fundamental truth: Armenia’s only sustainable path forward is through lawful, constitutional, and peaceful political change—never through violence or unconstitutional upheaval.
Democracy is not perfect, but it is essential
Armenia has suffered greatly in recent years: war, displacement, economic hardship, and deep societal divisions. These wounds cannot be healed by sowing more division or abandoning the democratic institutions that so many struggled to build. History has shown—both in Armenia and abroad—that violence or calls for unconstitutional regime change do not liberate nations. They fracture them, inviting chaos, repression, and ultimately the loss of sovereignty
The Armenian Constitution, ratified by the people, guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to protest. It also upholds the rule of law. Political change must be pursued through these avenues—through dialogue, elections, and civic engagement. Anything else—be it calls for insurrection or the use of religious institutions to mobilize unconstitutional actions—undermines the very democracy we seek to strengthen.
Violence Weakens Armenia and Serves Foreign Interests
Armenia today sits at a critical geopolitical crossroads. Surrounded by much more powerful neighbors with vested interests in its internal affairs, the country’s greatest strength lies in national unity, stability, and democratic legitimacy.
Every instance of unrest, every call to overthrow the constitutional order by force, plays directly into the hands of those who benefit from a weak, fragmented, and unstable Armenia. Our adversaries do not fear our protests—they welcome our internal collapse.
Let us be clear: The soul of the nation is not defended by circumventing elections or threatening violence. It is defended by upholding our democratic values, strengthening our institutions, and ensuring that no government—this one or any future one—can suppress the voice of the people.
The Church Must Be Respected—but Must Also Remain Separate from Politics
The Armenian Apostolic Church is a foundational institution in our national identity, history, and cultural continuity. It must be treated with reverence and protected from politically motivated attacks. But its role is spiritual, not governmental. When clergy become front-line political actors advocating unconstitutional change, they step into dangerous territory—both for the Church and the nation.
If there have been excesses by law enforcement, they must be independently investigated. But this cannot justify the endorsement of calls for regime change outside the ballot box. Rule of law must apply equally to all—politicians, clergy, and citizens alike.
Let us choose dialogue, not destruction
Now is not the time for inflammatory rhetoric or historic comparisons that sow fear. We are not in 1937. Armenia is not a Stalinist state. But to preserve that reality, we must reject violence, demand accountability through legal mechanisms, and protect our democracy by participating in it—not by threatening it.
Those who truly care about Armenia—its Church, its sovereignty, and its people—must stand united in defense of democracy, peace, and constitutional order. Political change is the right of the people, but only the people—through free, fair and transparent elections—can enact that change legitimately.
Let us protect the soul of our nation by safeguarding its heart: its democracy."
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