The Challenge of a Sacred Union

Abstract

Primate of the Tavush Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who holds both Armenian and Canadian citizenship, has established himself as the leader of the “Tavush for the Homeland” movement. Many view him as a providential leader, advocating for a peaceful yet resolute resistance against the government’s push of peace at all costs. His firm stance aims to reinvigorate the morale of a weary and humiliated nation, blending sentimental patriotism, spirituality, and a call to disobedience.

With an aura reminiscent of an Indian guru, accentuated by his white cassock, exudes hope. His walk to Yerevan evoked a sense of déjà vu, similar to Nikol Pashinyan’s journey from Gyumri to Yerevan in the spring of 2018. This parallel invokes Marx’s famous quote: “The first time history repeats itself as tragedy, the second time as farce.”

Should we support the popular movement Tavush for the Homeland led by Bishop Galstanyan? Or is he merely a false prophet, an Armenian version of Ayatollah Khomeini, or even worse, a man without faith or law, as his critics argue? Many believe that Armenia can no longer endure such humiliation and territorial dismemberment without a fight. Pashinyan’s government only proposes demarcating a small section of the extensive border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Will he secure compensation or at least the return of Armenian territories currently under Azerbaijani occupation, including the enclave of Artsvashen, which is absent from the discussions? So far, the answer remains no.

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