Tweet
The Armenian Church is Held Hostage by Its Hierarchy: Part 2
00:42, October 21, 2013
Vosgan Mekhitarian
Part 1
Let us consider for a moment the letter of protest by the Patriarch of
Jerusalem, His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian - addressed to his
Holiness Karekin II - and its impact on the psyche of the clergy.
According to historical accounts, the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem was established almost at the same time as the Mother See
Holy Etchmiadzin. The Patriarchate had its own special position as
ecclesiastical/spiritual center in the Hierarchy of the Armenian
Church. In an environment, frequently hostile to Armenians, it was
able to retain its preeminent position among all other Christian
denominations, and because of the politically favorable conditions,
was able to become a fortress of enlightenment where our church
traditions were kept safe.
However, under ne-political conditions, the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem is struggling to keep its own traditions, independence and
identity, and is ill-prepared to guide new generations of priests.
Today, as a nation, we live under tragic conditions. Our laissez-faire
approach to addressing issues and solving problems within our
communities puts us face to face with very serious dangers such as
dysfunction, corruption, and ultimately, the loss of identity.
Unfortunately, however, we have no grasp of these dangers. The
theatrical performance of our clergy has found more ground in our
hearts than in understanding of the laws, which are the foundations of
a healthy church.
Let us examine and understand these laws.
The law of the jungle--a place where there are no principles, other
than `might makes right'.
The law of nature - inherent balance and regularity between all living
entities in nature.
The law of the mob - where the accused is judged by the mob and not in
a court of law, and is summarily sentenced to death.
The constitution - the law that governs the relationship between the
government and its citizens.
International laws - those that govern the relationships between
countries and define their duties to each other.
Civil law - body of laws which sanction the supreme authority of the state.
Criminal laws - hose enacted to preserve the public order by defining
offenses against the state and public, and imposing a penal sanctions.
Furthermore, there is another incomprehensible and unacceptable
condition in life whereby man impugns all laws and creates his own
scheme of rationalizations to impose his will upon all others.
Having looked at the various types of law that govern the human
condition, how should one regard the relationship between the Holy See
of Etchmiadzin and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem? We maintain the
public be the judge.
Before analyzing Nourhan Patriarch's letter of protest, it is
important to pay attention to the sentiments and discontent of our
readers, i.e., that the relationship between the two patriarchates of
Jerusalem and Istanbul is in a state of discord. During the last
Jerusalem patriarchal elections, Catholicos Kareken II attempted to
interfere and manipulate the situation but was thwarted.
Furthermore, while late Torkom Patriarch was the Locum tenant in
Etchmiadzin, he attested to the corruption of the Nersisyan clan and
was courageous enough to express his opinions and make
recommendations, which were not cordially received by Archbishop
Karekin Nersisyan and his clan.
Let's return to the protest letter dated August 3, 2013, and analyze
the impetus for Nourhan Patriarch to officially pen and submit such a
letter.
Foremost, the letter was written in a brotherly spirit, a letter
addressed to his big brother, Catholicos Karekin the II.
Second was the final decision of the Supreme Religious Council to
accept Archbishop Norvan's resignation from his post as Primate of
France. The non-elected and irresponsible members of the Religious
Council, did not have the courage and integrity to question His
Holiness Karekin the II and under duress and pressure, took the
degrading decision to accept the resignation of Archbishop Norvan.
What would they think if, instead of Archbishop Norvan, one of them
had their own integrity questioned and their spineless `brothers' took
such a heartless decision? They would probably curse the day they
joined the ranks of the clergy.
It is understandable and only just that a brother should be able to
advice his older brother to be lenient and considerate of another
brother, even though there are some misunderstandings, and that the
latter deserves punishment commensurate with his transgression. But in
a situation like this, where there is injustice perpetrated, it is
unconscionable to stand by and let a brother be sacrificed and become
the target of vengeance. After mentioning in his letter that the
decision was `unacceptable and unjust', Patriarch Nourhan suggests
that his Holiness should act with forgiveness towards his younger
brothers.
` Two years ago you tried to convince Torkom Patriarch to elect
Co-adjutor and when Archbishop Aris Shirvanian objected saying that
there is no such Article in the Jerusalem Patriarchal constitution,
you were furious and declared `I will defrock all of you', and
furthermore you repeated the same to me and my answer was `Is this how
you will threaten every one? Don't you know anything else'?'
It is very likely that this threat has seriously affected all members
of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. Indeed it is very sad, but it reflects
a reality, a reality that is unlawful, unjust and non-Christian, and
unfortunately this kind of behavior is practiced in both
Catholicosates--Etchmiadzin and Antelias.
The last piece of advice given by Nourhan Patriarch, where he says
that `it is impossible to bring up and prepare a healthy- minded new
generation of clergy under pressure and dictatorship', is a sad
commentary on the state of affairs in the church, which is not only
widely expressed in the general newspapers, but is also expressed by
members of the clergy, who are currently suffocated and muzzled under
the dictatorship of the Catholicos.
The bishops that participated in the conference, especially those who
grew up in the Jerusalem Patriarchate, knew all these facts, but did
not have the courage to bring this subject up for discussion at the
Bishops' conference. What will the young generation of clergy think?
One can only shudder to imagine what the impact of that letter will be
on the psyche of the clergy.
Some people adhere to the belief that such subjects should not be
discussed openly. We disagree completely. It is time to address all
issues openly and publicly if we are to believe that the Armenian
Church should be governed democratically-of, by, and for the people.
The Armenian Church is becoming dictatorial institution, ignoring all
democratic laws and canons. Even though there is a small contingent of
humble clergy that opposes these unjust practices, they do not have
the power to voice their opinions, and regrettably, are relegated to
self-imposed isolation.
Do we have to constantly reiterate this one indisputable truth: that
the Armenian Church is the sole force that led our nation throughout
the troubled years when we lost our political independence? The
Armenian Church molded the spiritual character of our nation and kept
our identity in tact to parallel the exercise of our political powers.
Although this is the sad reality of our times, we should,
nevertheless, declare openly that some leaders are hesitant to uphold
our religious constitution by criticizing the lifestyles of corrupted
clergy and admonish them to stay within the boundaries of their vows.
The ultimate authority in the Armenian Church is the Catholicos, who
is obligated to uphold the constitution down to its very detail. The
absence of such practice is an insult to democracy and the sacred
rights of the Armenian people.
to be continued
OCT. 20, 2013
http://hetq.am/eng/opinion/30136/the-armenian-church-is-held-hostage-by-its-hierarchy-part-2.html
00:42, October 21, 2013
Vosgan Mekhitarian
Part 1
Let us consider for a moment the letter of protest by the Patriarch of
Jerusalem, His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian - addressed to his
Holiness Karekin II - and its impact on the psyche of the clergy.
According to historical accounts, the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem was established almost at the same time as the Mother See
Holy Etchmiadzin. The Patriarchate had its own special position as
ecclesiastical/spiritual center in the Hierarchy of the Armenian
Church. In an environment, frequently hostile to Armenians, it was
able to retain its preeminent position among all other Christian
denominations, and because of the politically favorable conditions,
was able to become a fortress of enlightenment where our church
traditions were kept safe.
However, under ne-political conditions, the Armenian Patriarchate of
Jerusalem is struggling to keep its own traditions, independence and
identity, and is ill-prepared to guide new generations of priests.
Today, as a nation, we live under tragic conditions. Our laissez-faire
approach to addressing issues and solving problems within our
communities puts us face to face with very serious dangers such as
dysfunction, corruption, and ultimately, the loss of identity.
Unfortunately, however, we have no grasp of these dangers. The
theatrical performance of our clergy has found more ground in our
hearts than in understanding of the laws, which are the foundations of
a healthy church.
Let us examine and understand these laws.
The law of the jungle--a place where there are no principles, other
than `might makes right'.
The law of nature - inherent balance and regularity between all living
entities in nature.
The law of the mob - where the accused is judged by the mob and not in
a court of law, and is summarily sentenced to death.
The constitution - the law that governs the relationship between the
government and its citizens.
International laws - those that govern the relationships between
countries and define their duties to each other.
Civil law - body of laws which sanction the supreme authority of the state.
Criminal laws - hose enacted to preserve the public order by defining
offenses against the state and public, and imposing a penal sanctions.
Furthermore, there is another incomprehensible and unacceptable
condition in life whereby man impugns all laws and creates his own
scheme of rationalizations to impose his will upon all others.
Having looked at the various types of law that govern the human
condition, how should one regard the relationship between the Holy See
of Etchmiadzin and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem? We maintain the
public be the judge.
Before analyzing Nourhan Patriarch's letter of protest, it is
important to pay attention to the sentiments and discontent of our
readers, i.e., that the relationship between the two patriarchates of
Jerusalem and Istanbul is in a state of discord. During the last
Jerusalem patriarchal elections, Catholicos Kareken II attempted to
interfere and manipulate the situation but was thwarted.
Furthermore, while late Torkom Patriarch was the Locum tenant in
Etchmiadzin, he attested to the corruption of the Nersisyan clan and
was courageous enough to express his opinions and make
recommendations, which were not cordially received by Archbishop
Karekin Nersisyan and his clan.
Let's return to the protest letter dated August 3, 2013, and analyze
the impetus for Nourhan Patriarch to officially pen and submit such a
letter.
Foremost, the letter was written in a brotherly spirit, a letter
addressed to his big brother, Catholicos Karekin the II.
Second was the final decision of the Supreme Religious Council to
accept Archbishop Norvan's resignation from his post as Primate of
France. The non-elected and irresponsible members of the Religious
Council, did not have the courage and integrity to question His
Holiness Karekin the II and under duress and pressure, took the
degrading decision to accept the resignation of Archbishop Norvan.
What would they think if, instead of Archbishop Norvan, one of them
had their own integrity questioned and their spineless `brothers' took
such a heartless decision? They would probably curse the day they
joined the ranks of the clergy.
It is understandable and only just that a brother should be able to
advice his older brother to be lenient and considerate of another
brother, even though there are some misunderstandings, and that the
latter deserves punishment commensurate with his transgression. But in
a situation like this, where there is injustice perpetrated, it is
unconscionable to stand by and let a brother be sacrificed and become
the target of vengeance. After mentioning in his letter that the
decision was `unacceptable and unjust', Patriarch Nourhan suggests
that his Holiness should act with forgiveness towards his younger
brothers.
` Two years ago you tried to convince Torkom Patriarch to elect
Co-adjutor and when Archbishop Aris Shirvanian objected saying that
there is no such Article in the Jerusalem Patriarchal constitution,
you were furious and declared `I will defrock all of you', and
furthermore you repeated the same to me and my answer was `Is this how
you will threaten every one? Don't you know anything else'?'
It is very likely that this threat has seriously affected all members
of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. Indeed it is very sad, but it reflects
a reality, a reality that is unlawful, unjust and non-Christian, and
unfortunately this kind of behavior is practiced in both
Catholicosates--Etchmiadzin and Antelias.
The last piece of advice given by Nourhan Patriarch, where he says
that `it is impossible to bring up and prepare a healthy- minded new
generation of clergy under pressure and dictatorship', is a sad
commentary on the state of affairs in the church, which is not only
widely expressed in the general newspapers, but is also expressed by
members of the clergy, who are currently suffocated and muzzled under
the dictatorship of the Catholicos.
The bishops that participated in the conference, especially those who
grew up in the Jerusalem Patriarchate, knew all these facts, but did
not have the courage to bring this subject up for discussion at the
Bishops' conference. What will the young generation of clergy think?
One can only shudder to imagine what the impact of that letter will be
on the psyche of the clergy.
Some people adhere to the belief that such subjects should not be
discussed openly. We disagree completely. It is time to address all
issues openly and publicly if we are to believe that the Armenian
Church should be governed democratically-of, by, and for the people.
The Armenian Church is becoming dictatorial institution, ignoring all
democratic laws and canons. Even though there is a small contingent of
humble clergy that opposes these unjust practices, they do not have
the power to voice their opinions, and regrettably, are relegated to
self-imposed isolation.
Do we have to constantly reiterate this one indisputable truth: that
the Armenian Church is the sole force that led our nation throughout
the troubled years when we lost our political independence? The
Armenian Church molded the spiritual character of our nation and kept
our identity in tact to parallel the exercise of our political powers.
Although this is the sad reality of our times, we should,
nevertheless, declare openly that some leaders are hesitant to uphold
our religious constitution by criticizing the lifestyles of corrupted
clergy and admonish them to stay within the boundaries of their vows.
The ultimate authority in the Armenian Church is the Catholicos, who
is obligated to uphold the constitution down to its very detail. The
absence of such practice is an insult to democracy and the sacred
rights of the Armenian people.
to be continued
OCT. 20, 2013
http://hetq.am/eng/opinion/30136/the-armenian-church-is-held-hostage-by-its-hierarchy-part-2.html