The following interview is with Arshavir Kapoudjian, Programs Director of The Bible Society of Armenia.

(The Bible Society of Armenia was established in 1991, when the late Catholicos Vazgen I and representatives of the United Bible Societies signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the translation, publication and dissemination of the Holy Bible in Armenia.)

In your opinion what is the role of religion in modern Armenian society?

Today, more than ever, I place great importance on the existence and role of religion in our life, not only in terms of the relationship between God and man but amongst humans. We have lost our respect regarding our fellow human beings in today's society; our confidence, concern and love towards others. Of course, being able to earn a living is a job of great dedication, but personal interests must never overshadow the social aspect. In this respect, religion has much to teach.

Our people are devoted to our religion but such devotion must be derived from consciousness. Religious rituals and practices have a much more formulaic nature in our people than being cognitive. I am not saying that all of us must become theologians, of course not. But each of us, before lighting a candle or raising our gaze in prayer to God, must comprehend where we stand vis-a-vis God and in terms of human relationships. If, after leaving church, we forget about our neighbors, the children, the environment and social issues, then this is the simplest way of attending church services. Praying and lighting candles in such a manner is to me unacceptable.

Is there, in a practical sense, freedom of religion in Armenia? What is the attitude of the society at large to this issue? How is this freedom reflected in the laws of the land?

Freedom of conscience is inscribed in the RA Constitution. Of course, freedom in theory doesn't always translate to freedom in practice. But I can certify that there is freedom of religion in Armenian. There are over 60 registered religious organizations here today that, in practice and by law, have the right to operate freely. And there are more than 100 unregistered religious groups. To be honest, for the life of me I cannot comprehend what they are doing here.

Now, let me say something about these religious organizations and the relationship between the church and society. All the so-called religious sects and smaller religious groupings constantly accuse the Armenian Apostolic Church for being intolerant. But the church has never attempted to root them out. On the contrary, it is these very groups that attempt to abuse the rights given them and create an atmosphere of intolerance.

Let me cite a very striking example. Every religious organization is responsible to maintain control over the community it represents. Take the Jehovah's Witnesses with, say, their 1,000 members. They are obliged to conduct their activities within that community and not attempt to recruit others into their fold. Recently, in the vicinity of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Yerevan, an incident occurred where the Jehovah's Witnesses sent someone to preach amongst the gathered crowds.

Both here and overseas, our compatriots have harmonious on-going relations with Islam. At first glance, it might seem that Christianity and Islam are mutually exclusive religions, but in reality this isn't the case. Both believe in monotheism and preach love, caring and charity. Here in Armenia, the followers of Islam aren't engaged in creating conspiracies. So how is it that other Christian groups all of a sudden say they have problems? It's because they want to spread out into the territory of others – to spread their beliefs and recruit souls. In my mind, such practices should be deemed punishable. So, in summation, I do not believe our people and church are intolerant of others.

To what extent is there the separation of church and state in Armenia?

There are nations where religion is an inseparable part of the state and the church is recognized as the national church. When Armenia was on the threshold of independence, we decided that by law the church and state must be independent operating institutions.

I do not agree with this separation. Perhaps such a decision was made in order to conform to European standards and was seen as affording a degree of freedom to the other religious organizations. I have a totally different take on the matter and cannot explain the idea behind this separation.

In my view, this separation between the church and state in these new conditions is not correct. History shows just how beneficial it has been for the church to be included in finding resolutions to the issues confronting the nation and people. I find that dividing the two just doesn't make any sense. When I say petutyun (պետություն), I am not referring to the authorities but to the people.

What has been the trend in society in terms of being interested in religion?

In the early period of Armenia's independence, the interest shown by the people regarding religion was quite strong. It gradually faded over the coming years. But in the past five years, I have not only witnessed an interest in the people but also a real fervour towards the church and religion.

Today, especially on feast days, the churches are packed with people. This proves that people not only want to participate in church holidays but that the church is getting involved in such celebrations as well. Today, the church is calling out to the people like never before. The main mission of the church today is leaving the narrow confines of its walls and having a practical impact on the lives of ordinary people. This is the challenge facing the church today.

In my work I get to visit many places and meet a diverse group of people – from the border villages to orphanages, schools and colleges. If the people see that a certain clergyman is sincere and devoted to his calling, than the people will dedicate themselves to the teachings and mission of the church.

The church is strongest where we have devoted clergy.

Life is becoming more complex by the day. People have questions that others cannot answer.

In church, people find the answers deep within themselves.