Andranik Tevanyan: Why Are Aliyev and Erdogan Attacking the Armenian Apostolic Church?
Why are Aliyev and Erdogan targeting the Armenian Apostolic Church? The reason is simple: it is one of the few Armenian institutions that Nikol Pashinyan has either failed - or has not yet managed - to destroy. He dismantled the army, surrendered Artsakh, turned the National Security Service into a “devil hunter” and stripped it of its true function, converted the police into a personal security force, and reduced the prosecutor’s office to something resembling Wyszyński’s era. In short, he has ruined and distorted everything, except the Church, which remains standing. That means there is still a foundation around which the Armenian people can unite, a line that cannot be crossed in the effort to turn Armenia into "Western Azerbaijan." And that is precisely why Turkey and Azerbaijan - through Nikol Pashinyan - are attacking the Armenian Apostolic Church. That is also why our revered spiritual leaders have now found themselves behind bars. Given all this, we must not give in to the false debate manufactured by Nikol - one that tries to shift focus onto this or that priest. That time will come, but only when the existential threats facing Armenia today are no longer at our doorstep. Besides, it is not for devils to set our agenda when it comes to matters of faith. Today, the fate of the Republic of Armenia is what’s truly on the agenda. At one time, the issue of Artsakh was on the agenda. Back then, some were frightened, others were clearly clueless. Some would tell me, “If we oppose Nikol, he’ll cut the funding.” Some turned out to be outright scoundrels, while others were simply naïve. Meanwhile, the collective image of the people of Artsakh was deceived and betrayed. And the result? The loss of Artsakh. The enemy breached Artsakh’s line of defense with the help of their fifth column. Now, they are attempting to do the same with the Church - to break through Armenia’s line of defense. That is why every citizen of Armenia, regardless of nationality, religion, or worldview - whether Armenian or of another ethnicity, believer or atheist, liberal or conservative, member of a sect or follower of the Apostolic faith - must stand in defense of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Because what is truly at stake is the fate of the Republic of Armenia. There were sectarians and followers of the Apostolic Church, believers and atheists, government supporters and opposition members, the wealthy and the poor. Today, they are all refugees. They have lost their homes - whether modest or luxurious - and, most importantly, they have lost their homeland. The same could happen to Armenia. So what if we are a UN-recognized state? Ukraine was recognized too. So was Syria. That is why - whether you are an adult or a child, conservative or liberal, rich or poor, believer or atheist, whether you’ve read the Bible or not, literate or illiterate, a pensioner or a student - each and every one of us must take a stand in support of Etchmiadzin, which means standing in support of Armenia. "Military actions" are expected in Etchmiadzin. The enemy is waging psychological and propaganda warfare. It is also a diversion meant to separate Syunik from the rest of Armenia. They've already named the corridor: Donald Trump’s Bridge - a ploy to convince the naïve or completely brainwashed that something positive is underway. But Trump’s face is cloaked with the beards of Aliyev and Erdogan.
The truth is, what’s unfolding is a Pan-Turkic project being advanced at Armenia’s expense, against both Russia and Iran. That is why all other issues must now be set aside: it is time to defend the Armenian Apostolic Church from the Turkish-Azerbaijani assault. Armenia belongs to the Armenians.
Leader of “Mother Armenia” Movement Andranik Tevanyan
Source: www.verelq.am
