Yerevan, February 16, 2026 – Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan was discharged from the Izmirlian Medical Center today and has been transferred to Gyumri. This information was confirmed by his nephew, Deacon Artashes Ajapahyan, according to preliminary data.
Archbishop’s Health and Legal Status
The discharge comes days after the Appellate Criminal Court ruled that the Archbishop would be placed under house arrest, with a prohibition on leaving his residence. Following this court decision, the head of the Shirak Diocese was again hospitalized, where he underwent surgery. The exact nature of the surgery was not disclosed in the available information.
Relocation to Gyumri
The relocation to Gyumri is in line with the court’s decision, as Gyumri is the spiritual center of the Shirak Diocese, where Archbishop Ajapahyan serves as the Primate. This move suggests that the Archbishop will continue his recovery and fulfill his duties from Gyumri, albeit under the conditions of house arrest.
Background of the Case
The events surrounding Archbishop Ajapahyan have been a subject of public interest. The decision by the Appellate Criminal Court to impose house arrest indicates ongoing legal proceedings against the Archbishop. Further details regarding the charges or the specific reasons for the house arrest were not immediately available.
Community and Church Response
The Armenian Apostolic Church and its followers have been closely monitoring the situation. The hospitalization and subsequent court decision have drawn attention to the challenges faced by religious figures in the region. The move to Gyumri is expected to allow the Archbishop to be closer to his diocese during this period.
The Izmirlian Medical Center, located in Yerevan, is a prominent medical institution in Armenia, known for providing specialized care. The Archbishop’s transfer from this facility to Gyumri signifies a new phase in his recovery and compliance with the legal directives.
The community in Gyumri and the Shirak Diocese are expected to offer support to their spiritual leader as he navigates these circumstances. The full implications of the house arrest on his pastoral duties remain to be seen, but his presence in Gyumri is likely to be a source of comfort for his congregants.
This development is part of a broader context of various ongoing legal and political events in Armenia, as indicated by other news items from the same period, including discussions on political struggles, healthcare issues, and international relations.
Further updates on Archbishop Ajapahyan’s condition and legal situation are anticipated as the situation develops.
Source: https://www.golosarmenii.am/arm/%D5%B4%D5%AB%D6%84%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A5%D5%AC-%D5%BD%D6%80%D5%A2%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A8-%D5%A4%D6%80%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BD-%D5%AF%D5%A3%D6%80%D5%BE%D5%AB-%D5%AB%D5%A6%D5%B4%D5%AB%D6%80%D5%AC%D5%B5/
