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24 October 2015

Vatican to Investigate Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Catholic Priest in Javakhk Armenian Village

The Vatican says it will investigate long standing rumors that a Catholic priest serving in the Samtskhe-Javakhk village of Tzghaltbila has sexually abused boys serving in the church. The priest in question is Reverend Father Anatoly Ivanyuk, who has served as pastor in the Armenian-populated village, where most are Catholic, for the past 25 years.
The boys who allege to have been sexually abused by the priest haven’t raised the issue, either to local police or to the Vatican hierarchy. It’s a traditional and religious community and any such charges of pedophilia and homosexuality wouldn’t be taken seriously for starters. The boys are also fearful of being ridiculed by friends and family. They also are fearful of Father Anatoly.

http://hetq.am/eng/news/63233/vatican-to-investigate-sexual-abuse-allegations-against-catholic-priest-in-javakhk-armenian-village.html