Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents the results of comprehensive study on the history of Soviet Armenia and the Armenian Church in the years 1920-32. Through documents uncovered in the Communist Party Archive in Yerevan and the Georgian Historical Archive, press antireligious propaganda, oral testimonies, and biographical interviews conducted by the author, The Armenian Church in Soviet Armenia expands the discussion on the history of the Armenian Church in the 20th century, especially regarding the relations between the spiritual leaders of the Armenian Church and the Bolsheviks. In accordance with stipulations laid out by the Central Committee in consultation with the GPU, Khoren Muradbekian was elected as the Catholicos of All Armenians. His election was the principal reason behind the schism inside the Church which, especially in the Armenian diaspora, divided not only clergy, but laymen themselves. These divisions, even after hundred years, are still vivid in Armenian society.
Trade Review"Using extensive archival material, Jakub Osiecki has produced a unique study of a very important and rarely studied subject. The volume is a welcome addition to studies on Armenia and its Church."—George Bournoutian, Iona College
"This book presents an original academic achievement and an important milestone in the literature concerning the subject and a lasting contribution to the development of sciences."—Roman Dzwonkowski, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski/ The Catholic University of Lublin
Table of ContentsPreface – Acknowledgments – List of Abbreviations – The Situation of the Armenian Church during the 19th and early 20th Centuries – Soviet Armenia (1920–1932) – Communist Policies toward the Armenian Church – Aftermath of Bolshevik Policy against the Armenian Church – Summary and Conclusion – Bibliography – Summary in Armenian – Notes on the Translators – Index
