Armenian media: Catholicos Garegin II may flee to Russia Amid possible resignation

Armenian media outlets have reported that preparations are allegedly underway for the possible departure of Catholicos Garegin II (Ktrich Nersisyan) to Russia amid growing speculation about his potential resignation or loss of influence in Armenia.

The reports say Russian law enforcement agencies assess that Nersisyan may soon be unable to maintain control over the situation in Armenia and could be forced either to step down or to leave the country. One scenario reportedly under consideration involves Garegin II retaining the title of Catholicos while relocating to Russia and announcing that he would continue to govern the Armenian Apostolic Church remotely, per Caliber.Az.

Armenian media claim that plans are also being discussed to merge the Russian and Novo-Nakhichevan Diocese with the Diocese of Southern Russia of the Armenian Apostolic Church in order to create what is described as a “Catholicosate in exile,” similar to the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia based in Antelias, Lebanon. Such a move, the reports suggest, could further deepen divisions within the Armenian Apostolic Church.

To gauge the mood among clergy, Nersisyan’s brother, Mkrtich (Ezras) Nersisyan, reportedly convened a meeting of Armenian clerics in Moscow several days ago, during which the outlined scenario was presented.

The same media sources say most clerics expressed confusion and concern, warning that such a step would constitute a schism within the Armenian Apostolic Church, one from which the Church could take a long time to recover. Despite this, Ezras Nersisyan allegedly insisted that this scenario was the primary alternative, claiming it was, to some extent, imposed and mandatory to implement.

The speculation of resignation comes amid tensions in 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. Since then, the premier has repeatedly urged him to step down as Catholicos.

By Khagan Isayev