Armenian PM calls for removal of top cleric, warns of Christian-led expulsion

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly called for Catholicos Garegin II to leave the Holy See of Echmiadzin amid ongoing tensions within the Armenian Church leadership.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Pashinyan questioned the moral authority of Garegin II and his associates, Caliber.Az reports.

"What right does a group that has broken its vow of celibacy and betrayed Jesus Christ have to speak of justice and trust?"

He further declared: "This group has no right to speak on behalf of the Holy See of Echmiadzin. Ktrich, who desecrated the Holy See of Echmiadzin, must leave the Patriarchate."

"If he does not leave voluntarily, the faithful flock of the Armenian Church will expel him in a Christian manner," he wrote.

In a related development, Armenian media outlets have reported that the Investigative Committee of Armenia has submitted motions to the court seeking the arrest of 16 individuals connected with the Holy Struggle movement and others.

Among those detained are prominent figures, including the movement's leader, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Colonel Migran Makhsudyan, Deacon Hrayr Hakobyan, businessman Tigran Galstyan, as well as several other individuals. The list also includes at least one woman, Lydia Mantashyan.

By Tamilla Hasanova