Current state Armenian Apostolic Church

1 current state

1.1 in republic of armenia
1.2 in artsakh
1.3 armenian diaspora

current state
in republic of armenia

saint gregory illuminator cathedral in yerevan largest armenian church in world

the status of armenian apostolic church within republic of armenia defined in country s constitution. article 8.1 of constitution of armenia states: republic of armenia recognizes exclusive historical mission of armenian apostolic holy church national church, in spiritual life, development of national culture , preservation of national identity of people of armenia. among others, ethnographer hranush kharatyan has questioned constitutionality of phrase national church .

in 2009, further constitutional amendments drafted make crime non-traditional religious groups proselytize on adherents of apostolic church. minority groups banned spreading distrust in other faiths. these draft amendments put on hold after strong criticism voiced council of europe , organization security , cooperation in europe. armenian religious minorities , human rights groups expressed serious concern on amendments, human rights activist stepan danielian stating armenian apostolic church today wants have monopoly on religion . armenian church defines religious groups operating outside domain sects and, in words of spokesman bishop arshak khachatrian, considers activities in armenia nothing denial of creed of armenian apostolic church, considered national religion of armenian people . hrant bagratyan, former prime minister of armenia, condemned close association of armenian apostolic church armenian government, calling church untouchable organisation secretive of income , expenditure.

in artsakh

after bolshevik revolution , subsequent annexation of armenia u.s.s.r., functioning religious institutions in nkao closed down , clergymen either exiled or shot.

after while armenian apostolic church resumed activities. there weddings, baptisms, , every sunday church liturgy @ free attendance. armenian apostolic church since 1989 restored or constructed more 30 churches. in 2009 republic of artsakh government introduced law entitled freedom of conscience , religious organisations , article 8 of provided armenian apostolic orthodox church allowed preach on territory of republic of artsakh. however, law did make processes available other religious institutions approval government if wished worship within republic.

armenian diaspora

armenian apostolic prelacy, new york

outside of west asia, today there notable armenian apostolic congregations in various countries in europe, north america, south america, , south asia.

lebanon, home large , influential armenian diaspora community own political parties, has more 17 recognized armenian apostolic churches. armenian presence in israel found in armenian quarter of jerusalem, under jurisdiction of armenian patriarchate of jerusalem. syria has 1 armenian church, st sarkis, in damascus.

the armenian patriarchate of constantinople in turkey , armenian apostolic church of iran important communities in diaspora. these churches represent largest christian ethnic minorities in these predominantly muslim countries.

the united kingdom has 3 armenian churches: st sarkis in kensington, london; saint yeghiche in south kensington, london; , holy trinity in manchester.

ethiopia has had armenian church since 1920s, when groups of armenians invited there after armenian holocaust ottoman empire.