I Refuse the Secular Life and Wish to Become a Monk: 14-Year-Old Vahe Left a Note

The clergyman of the Tavush Diocese, Thomas Arakelyan, writes: "14-year-old Vahe Apikyans is missing. He is an altar boy at St. Sargis Church in Yerevan. On the morning of July 29, 2026, he left the house without informing anyone and took nothing with him except his ecclesiastical robe. He disappeared leaving a note stating that he refuses the secular life and wishes to become a monk.

We believe he may visit a church for prayer, and we ask you to spread the information about Vahe Apikyans being missing. Please take care of him if you find him and inform his family of any news.

Father: Tigran Apikian 093-99-56-28
Mother: Gayane Ilina 077-05-19-72
Brother: Sarkis Apikian 033-30-56-16"