Epress.am News from Armenia
The issue of participating or not participating in the Church of the Holy Cross liturgy shouldn’t be turned into a subject of discussion by the entire nation, believes ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan.
“That should’ve been purely a religious issue, but since Turkey has politicized the issue and once again wants to show the international community its good will, then, I believe, it’s not worth getting involved in the process, despite, by raising such a fuss, we are participating in Turkey’s organized theatrical performance,” said Kharatyan.
Also agreeing with Khartyan was Samvel Karapetyan, a historian and architecture expert specializing in the study of historical monuments. Karapetyan recently returned from Western Armenia (present-day Turkey).
“I find that every Armenian must see his homeland, Western Armenia, at least once, but since it’s obvious that this a theatrical performance initiated by Turkey, I believe, participating is not worth it.”
As for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin’s decision not to participate in the liturgy, Kharatyan said:
“I consider discussing the issue to be immoral [and] illegal. For me, the issue is a religious issue. I respectfully refer to both the participation and the refusal to participate.”
In Karapetyan’s opinion, by refusing to participate, the Mother See shows dignity, since once again Turkey is showing deceit.