Armenian cleric calls for “liberation” of Etchmiadzin as rival factions set to gather at church

Father Ter Aram, the head of Hovhannavank Monastery, has called on believers to gather at Etchmiadzin on December 18 to “liberate” the Mother See from those serving the interests of “foreign powers” rather than the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"As a follower of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, I consider it my duty today at 5:00 p.m. to be at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and participate in the liberation of our Holy of Holies — Holy Etchmiadzin — from those who serve the interests of foreign forces. Let us build the future of our Church together," Caliber.Az quotes Father Ter Aram as saying in the statement on his Facebook page.

Father Ter Aram (Stepan Asatryan) was among the first Armenian clerics to openly oppose Catholicos Garegin II. He accused the Catholicos of encouraging sin and attempting to make all others like himself.

As a result, Garegin II stripped Ter Aram of his clerical rank. The Armenian authorities, however, have stated that they do not recognise the Catholicos’s decision as legitimate.

This development adds another layer of tension to the ongoing ecclesiastical dispute in Armenia, with rival factions preparing for gatherings at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on December 18.

On December 17, ten bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church addressed the public, calling for a gathering at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin at 5:00 p.m. on December 18. Following this, the Aragatsotn Diocese announced that its joint service, originally planned for 7:00 p.m. at St. Hovhannes Church in Byurakan, would be moved to 5:00 p.m. at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, aligning with the bishops’ call.

Supporters of former President Robert Kocharyan and detained Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan are expected in Etchmiadzin today. According to Armenian Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, these groups may attempt to obstruct the service organised by the rebellious bishops.

Tensions erupted in mid-2025 when Pashinyan accused senior clergy, including Garegin II, of personal misconduct (e.g., violating celibacy vows), ties to opposition networks, and obstructing national policy—particularly peace negotiations with Azerbaijan following the 2020 and subsequent conflicts over Karabakh.

By Khagan Isayev