Epress.am News from Armenia
About a week ago a question was raised by a group of Armenians in Moscow regarding Right Rev. Bishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia, pocketing funds received from performances by the all-female Hayasa dance ensemble. This news was conveyed to letters sent to the press by Arsen Margaryan, a member of Moscow’s Armenian community and one of those raising questions on this matter.
Margaryan insists that large Russia-based entrepreneurs Samvel Karapetyan, Ruben Vardanyan, Levon Hayrapetyan and others spend large amounts of money to ensure the activities of the ensemble, which is under the supervision of the Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia in Moscow.
However, as noted in the letter, members of the ensemble have never — in the time that they have been employed in the Hayasa ensemble — received their salaries.
The day after this information became public, upon an command by Right Rev. Bishop Yezras, subordinate members of high-ranking clergy called ensemble members and had an talk with the girls to find out who told the press that Right Rev. Bishop Yezras, brother of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and those close to him pocketed their salaries, notes Margaryan.