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Armenian PM distinguishes between Catholicos, Apostolic Church, rejects claims of conflict

16 October 2025 15:41

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed questions concerning the relationship between the Catholicos and the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) in remarks to journalists, emphasizing a clear distinction between the institution and the individual officeholder.

“In the official documents of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, it is nowhere stated that the Catholicos and the Church are one and the same entity,” Pashinyan noted. “Similarly, it is not declared that a bishop and the Church are identical,” he added, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The Prime Minister underscored that throughout the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church, there have been multiple instances in which the Catholicos resigned from office without precipitating the collapse or weakening of the institution. “Did the Church collapse when the Catholicos resigned? No, it did not,” he affirmed.

Pashinyan further recalled precedents where bishops faced criminal prosecution and served prison sentences, highlighting that such circumstances did not diminish the Church’s enduring presence or spiritual authority within Armenian society.

Responding to perceptions of tension, the Prime Minister explicitly stated, “On my part, there are no attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church,” aiming to dispel any notion of discord between the government and the religious institution.

To recall, another clergyman, Priest Paren, has been detained by law enforcement agencies in Armenia. The head of the information system of Etchmiadzin, Priest Yesayi Artenyan stated that a search had previously been conducted at the home of another clergyman — the head of the Aragatsotn Diocese, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan — who is now being taken to the investigative department.

According to Armenian media reports, Bishop Proshyan is the nephew of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

Notably, the current crisis in Armenia centres on a deepening rift between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the AAC, a powerful institution with significant cultural and political influence in Armenian society. The conflict intensified following Armenia’s territorial concessions to Azerbaijan, particularly the return of four border villages in May 2024, which sparked widespread protests led by the AAC and its senior clergy, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, head of the “Holy Struggle” opposition movement. These protests have evolved into broader demands for Pashinyan’s resignation, accusing his government of betraying national interests.

The Armenian government’s response has been severe, with the National Security Service conducting raids and arrests targeting prominent clerics and opposition figures, particularly Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, with charges of terrorism, coup plot. The government also conducted over 90 searches, detaining at least 14 individuals, including opposition activists.

Pashinyan publicly accused the AAC of corruption and moral violations, notably targeting Catholicos Karekin II, the church’s leader, with allegations of breaching celibacy vows and calling for his resignation.

By Vafa Guliyeva

Caliber.Az
Views: 206

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