Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Urges Intervention Over Inaccuracies in 7th Grade Armenian History Textbook

Armenian Church – OCP News Service – 02/01/2024

Yerevan-Armenia:The Educational Committee of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has addressed an urgent letter to Mrs. Zhanna Andreasian, the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Armenia, expressing concerns over critical omissions and errors in the 7th-grade “Armenian History” textbook used in public schools.

The letter, dated November 24, 2023, emphasizes the Church’s reservations regarding the Ministry’s approach to Armenian studies, particularly the “History of the Armenian Church,” which has faced constitutional and legal disputes. The Committee raises alarm over the exclusion of more than 70% of the course content from general education programs, despite objections from the Church, the scientific community, and the public.

Key issues identified by the Committee include:

Current Procedure Issues:

1. Lack of involvement of prestigious institutions like the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences, YSU, and ASPU in the textbook preparation process.
2. Inconsistency with subject standards and program requirements.
3. Misleading reference thanking the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for supporting the creation of the textbook, contrary to the Church’s official opposition.

Textbook Content Issues:

1. Disturbing and unacceptable treatment of national symbols, including Ararat, Masis, Hayk Nahapet, and the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral.
2. Misrepresentation of King Trdat III as the founder of the Armenian Church, overlooking the role of Patriarch Gregory the Illuminator.
3. Historical inaccuracies regarding the appointment of Grigor Parthev as Armenian Patriarch.
4. False narrative about the martyrdom of the apostle St. Thaddeus.
5. Problematic description of the Hripsimians virgins and the cause of their persecution.
6. Baseless assumptions about the establishment of Christianity in Armenia with the favor of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
7. Arbitrary and unconvincing comments on the history of Armenian letters.
8. Unacceptable misinterpretation and belittling of the heroes and events of the Battle of Avarair.
9. Inaccurate presentation of ecclesiological concepts and the hierarchal order of the Armenian Church.
10. Lack of information about the sacraments of the Armenian Church.
11. Downplaying the role of clergymen in Armenian history, presenting them mainly as cultural figures.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin calls for the discontinuation of the current textbook, urging the Ministry to engage authoritative representatives from the professional and church communities to prepare a new, accurate, and comprehensive textbook for national education.

The letter concludes with a prayer and blessing from Archbishop Michael Ajapahyan, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to ensuring quality education and upbringing for future generations.

Source:
OCP News Services