National Security Service explains why they left Mother See without Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan

Today, June 27, 2025, during the execution of the decision to arrest Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan (Gevorg Ajapahyan) from the territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a crowd of citizens gathered. The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia and the police, citing security concerns and to prevent a potential and deliberate escalation of the situation, decided to leave the Mother See’s territory, the National Security Service said in a statement.

“The RA National Security Service urges everyone to refrain from escalating the situation and not to obstruct the lawful actions of law enforcement agencies. We call on Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan (Gevorg Ajapahyan) not to hide from law enforcement and to present himself at the operative group of the National Security Service waiting for him.

The NSS continues to carry out its functions as prescribed by law, ensuring the maintenance of public order and safety. Incidents of obstructing lawful actions of law enforcement agencies will be subject to legal evaluation,” reads the statement.