Armenian PM accuses Church hierarchy of sectarianism

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called on citizens to urge clergy to support reforms in the Armenian Church, describing Catholicos Garegin II and his associates as followers of “schism and sectarian thinking.”

Speaking after a religious procession in Yerevan, Pashinyan said the Church must be returned to the people, noting it has long remained isolated from public influence, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Tensions between the state and the Church run against a backdrop of wider political divisions in Armenia following the 2020 Karabakh war, when parts of the Church’s leadership openly opposed Pashinyan’s policies, including calls for his resignation.

The conflict has deepened over the past year as Pashinyan has openly challenged Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, the head of the Church, accusing him and senior clergy of political interference, corruption, and even violations of religious vows. In June 2025, Pashinyan publicly claimed that Garegin II broke his vow of celibacy, arguing that this disqualified him from his ecclesiastical role — allegations that have intensified the standoff. 

In late 2025 and early 2026, the prime minister unveiled a so‑called roadmap for reform, agreed with a group of 10 dissident bishops opposed to Garegin II. This initiative seeks to remove the current Catholicos, adopt a new church charter, and elect a new head in accordance with updated procedures. Pashinyan and the bishops also announced the creation of a coordination council aimed at driving changes within the Church.

By Khagan Isayev