Archimandrite Anania Kojanian, the Episcopal Vicar for the Armenian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, was found dead at his home in Bsalim, Metn, at the age of 40. He had been responsible for managing the affairs of the Armenian community in Zahle and Anjar. His body was discovered after he failed to answer calls the previous day.
Security forces immediately arrived at the scene and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the murder. Preliminary reports suggest that robbery was the likely motive behind the crime.
Official Reactions
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun expressed his condolences to the Catholicos of the Orthodox Armenians, Aram I Keshishian, following the tragic death of Archimandrite Kojanian. During their phone conversation, President Aoun strongly condemned the crime and assured that security forces were continuing their investigation to uncover the full details of the case. He further pledged that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in his capacity as the caretaker head of government, also extended his condolences to Catholicos Aram I in a phone call. Mikati instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure the swift apprehension of the perpetrators.
Additional Reactions
The murder of Archimandrite Kojanian sparked widespread reactions from both the public and political figures.
Member of Parliament Razi al-Hage took to X to denounce the rising crime rate, citing a lack of border control. According to information he received, the murder was carried out by Syrian workers who had been assigned to paint the victim’s apartment.
Industry Minister Georges Bouchikian condemned the “horrific” crime, expressing outrage at the attack on a religious figure. He characterized the crime as an attempt to stir division and discord within the community. Bouchikian also reassured the public that security forces were fully mobilized to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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