Armenian lawmaker slams opposition's plan to "save" Catholicos from pro-gov't priests

Alkhas Gazaryan, a lawmaker from Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party, commented on the opposition’s declared intention to “save” Catholicos Garegin II during a church service planned in Echmiadzin on December 18. 

Gazaryan specifically criticised the involvement of figures including Levon Kocharyan, son of former President Robert Kocharyan; Narek Karapetyan, nephew of detained Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan; and Dashnak party member Ishkhan Sagatelyan, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

“Now, Ktrich’s (Catholicos Garegin II’s) hope rests on Levon, the son of Kocharyan, who has renounced his cross; on Dashnak Ishkhan Sagatelyan; and on the ‘little treasure of his uncle’ — Narek Karapetyan," the MP said.

She noted: "In this chain of ‘treasures’ of uncles, perhaps only Seryozh’s treasure is missing. However, the most remarkable thing is that all these fathers — together with their sons and their own ‘spiritual leader’ Ktrich — gather in one circle and ultimately fall to pieces, thereby destroying the false thesis they themselves invented, claiming that they are in no way connected to each other."

"On the other hand, Ktrich himself is in an unenviable position, as his hope rests on Levon, Narek, and Ishkhan,” the lawmaker added.

“Now, Ktrich’s (Catholicos Garegin II’s) hope rests on Levon, who has renounced his cross, on Dashnak Ishkhan Sagatelyan, and on the ‘little treasure of his uncle’ — Narek Karapetyan,” Gazaryan said. He added that this coalition of political and family ties exposes the supposed independence of these actors as a “false thesis.”

Gazaryan also noted the precarious position of Garegin II himself, whose reliance on these figures reflects broader vulnerabilities amid the ongoing ecclesiastical dispute.

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. The Armenian police have warned that any provocations during the gathering would be promptly prevented.

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. Since then, the premier has repeatedly urged him to step down as Catholicos.

By Khagan Isayev