Armenian security service alleges Catholicos Garegin II’s brother worked with KGB PHOTO

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has claimed that Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan, the brother of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Garegin II, was recruited by the Soviet KGB under the codename “Karo” and continues to maintain links with foreign intelligence services.

Records cited by the service suggest Nersisyan collaborated with Soviet intelligence between 1986 and 1988, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

The NSS also warned that his alleged current connections with foreign intelligence agencies could pose a threat to Armenia’s security and national interests. In response, the agency said it is taking measures within its legal remit to address potential risks.

A declassified document, reportedly confirming Nersisyan’s recruitment by the KGB, was released alongside the statement.

The claims, if verified, could fuel tensions within the Armenian church and political establishment, given the prominence of Catholicos Garegin II and the sensitivity surrounding foreign influence in Armenia.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has instructed security forces to detain Yezras Nersisyan.

The newspaper Zhoghovurd reports no official government comment, noting that Archbishop Nersisyan has not visited Armenia for an extended period.

By Aghakazim Guliyev