A rift in faith or the emergence of a sect: What happened at Hovhannavank

Applause, shouting, violence, and aggression — Sunday’s service at Hovhannavank resembled not a religious ceremony, but a protest action.

Theologians say that what took place is a dangerous sign of a new sect forming.

Armenian theologians are drawing historical parallels, noting that this is not the first time that an attempt has been made to break away from the Church to form a new religious movement.