Armenian PM condemns use of historic churches as storage spaces

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for strict government oversight to prevent the misuse of the country’s historic and cultural monuments, following reports that many churches are being turned into storage rooms.

Speaking in parliament during a debate on the 2024 state budget report, Pashinyan criticised those who treat sacred sites disrespectfully, saying such actions “insult the spiritual feelings of the people,” Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

He emphasised that numerous historic and cultural landmarks across Armenia, which are integral to the nation’s spiritual heritage, are state property and should be carefully protected.

Pashinyan’s remarks come amid growing concern that a majority of churches in Armenia have been repurposed as “storage rooms filled with construction debris,” a practice he previously condemned.

To recall, tensions have escalated between Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church following a series of controversial social media posts by Pashinyan.

Over several days, the Prime Minister openly criticised the Church and its clergy, using language that shocked many and led to speculation that his account had been hacked. Subsequent posts confirmed that Pashinyan was personally responsible.

Public reaction was mixed: while some supported his stance, the majority condemned his profane tone as unbefitting of a head of state. Critics also highlighted an apparent contradiction with his wife Anna Hakobyan’s educational campaign, sarcastically questioning the standards of “trendy education.”

Despite backlash, Pashinyan maintained his position, asserting in a later post that the Republic of Armenia should have decisive influence over the election of the Catholicos of All Armenians, including background checks for candidates.

Political commentator Hakob Badalyan suggests Pashinyan could leverage this demand as a campaign promise or political achievement, signalling a deeper political confrontation with the Church’s leadership.

By Aghakazim Guliyev