Armenian PM warns church turmoil persists without Garegin II’s departure

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned that the ongoing crisis within the Armenian Apostolic Church will not be resolved until Ktrich Nersisyan, also known as Garegin II, vacates the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

“Today’s issue concerns the fact that there is a crisis in the Armenian Apostolic Church, which no one can deny, and this crisis must be resolved,” Pashinyan said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

He emphasized that the authorities are prepared to prevent any potential clashes.

“The crisis will not be resolved until Ktrich Nersisyan is removed from the Mother See. Any possibility of clashes is ruled out, as the law enforcement authorities of the Republic of Armenia possess all the tools and capabilities to neutralize, by any legal means, all individuals acting provocatively,” Pashinyan added.

Mid-2025 saw raids and arrests of high-ranking clergy and Church supporters, with security forces entering the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Authorities framed these actions as necessary to prevent threats to the constitutional order, while Church leaders labelled them politically motivated attacks on religious freedom.

Despite dialogue efforts, tensions remain unresolved, with both sides accusing the other of undermining Armenia’s stability and identity. The conflict continues to polarise public opinion, reflecting a broader struggle over the balance between secular governance and religious authority in Armenia.

By Vafa Guliyeva