Armenian PM says Catholicos Garegin II must step down, reminds of Sargsyan’s exit

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan indicated on January 8 that Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II could eventually be forced to step down, drawing a parallel to former President Serzh Sargsyan, who left office under pressure despite initially resisting.

Speaking to journalists, Pashinyan noted that while some figures, including Garegin II, may have no intention of leaving their positions, the government intends to persuade them otherwise, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

He added that any transition would be managed without upheaval and in a manner guided by Christian tolerance and respect.

Tensions between Armenia’s secular leadership and the Armenian Apostolic Church have intensified since the country’s political crisis after the 2020 Karabakh war. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been one of the most prominent critics of Catholicos Garegin II, accusing him and senior clerics of political interference, corruption and undermining national unity.

Pashinyan has publicly demanded reforms within the church, called for early elections for the position of Catholicos and described Garegin II and his circle as followers of “schism and sectarian thinking.” 

By Sabina Mammadli