It seems that one ranking member of the Armenian Apostolic Church has joined the ranks of many raising the alarm regarding the exodus of average citizens from Armenia.

Bishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, Primate of the Shirak Diocese, noted as much when he said: "Of course there's an exodus and it's reached dangerous proportions. Even the BBC recently aired a program about villages where you'll only find women. The men are off working overseas and have started new families."

The Primate makes a point to visit parishes throughout the diocese and says he can see the results every time he goes.

"Recently there was a Turkish tourist in Gyumri and when he found out that I spoke Turkish he came to see me. Turns out the man has lived in Moscow for many years and told me abot the Armenian workers there and the new families they have started. It sickened me to think that even the Turks have changed their impressions of Armenians. The image of the Armenian family has been distorted. Turks have always regarded Armenians as a people with morals. Now, that image is being replaced. Isn't this a national tragedy?" said a troubled Archbishop Ajapahyan.

The clergyman went on to say that he's been accused of washing Armenia's dirty wash in public when he raises the issue and that he should be spreading positive news.

"I am sure that some of your readers will say I am exaggerating the facts and that the migration numbers are not as bad as they seem. They forget that we representatives of the Church are responsible for all our flock and that we mourn each member who leaves the country. We have an obligation to speak out," notes the Primate.

Archbishop Ajapahyan went on to note that only those with no other options are the ones that leave.

"It's hard to blame them. It's a matter of survival," he said.

He also confessed that the Shirak Diocese employs more people than actually needed in order to prevent some from migrating.

"Many accuse me of employing extra people. I am aware of this, but I also know that these individuals have families to take care of."

The Primate says it's a matter of governance and that many see their future life as being on the outside.

He pointed to the "Come Home" program launched by the Ministry of the Diaspora, noting that the government should launch a similar program to keep local residents at home.

"Why is it that it is possible to change conditions in Georgia but not here in Armenia? They joke about Saakashvili chewing on his tie but this hasn't prevented him from pushing through reforms," he says.

Bishop Ajapahyan continued by stating that there must be the desire and will to improve the situation in Armenia.

He pointed to the pressure tactics of the tax authorities in Armenia as a sector that must be addressed.

"You won't see a Soviet produced car in Georgia. The government has made the importation of foreign cars accessible to the public. They've done away with the 30% tax burden. Countries usually slap importers with heavy taxes in order to protect the domestic market. But we don't produce autos in Armenia, so why all the taxes?"

The clergyman argues that ten years ago Georgia was lagging behind Armenia but that today the situation has been reversed.

"It's not because they have an outlet to the sea or due to tourism. What I want say is that the government must not treat the people like subjects to be sheared and milked. We must take care of them without demanding any pay-back."