Christian church gathering place for sectarians?

A group of young activists representing the civil initiative "We Call for the Catholicos' Resignation" have found out that a medieval Christian church in central Yerevan has turned into a gathering place for sectarians.

In a statement issued in this connection, they claim that the members of a sectarian group called Word of Life gather in the vicinities St Asatsatsin (Mother of God) church in the mornings and evenings, disturbing the peace in the neighborhood.

"The population in the area says the environs of the desolate church has become a site for love meetings and lovemaking, as well as a battle scene for the district's youth. The territory of the medieval grave-stones surrounding the church has turned into a waste dump," reads the statement.

The activists further say that only the residents of the district have taken care of the church, equipping it with a door and bringing icons from their own homes.

They find Catholicos Garegin II responsible for the existing situation in St Asvatsatsin and hundreds of other churches in Armenia, considering it a compelling reason for demanding his resignation.

They further call on the mass media and interested individuals to demonstrate a consistent approach to the issue in an attempt to to achieve a fair solution.