Armenian top cleric faces celibacy scandal as PM presses for public accountability

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly called on Catholicos Garegin II to address allegations that he has violated his vow of celibacy and fathered a child, urging the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church to provide a clear and public explanation.

“What does Garegin II’s silence signify? We, his flock, expect a public explanation regarding his alleged violation of the vow of celibacy and the reported existence of a child,” he wrote on Facebook, per Caliber.Az.

Pashinyan emphasised that regardless of whether Garegin II responds, any outcome would carry serious consequences for his spiritual authority.

“Silence implies consent — and in effect, removes him from the Apostolic Throne. Telling the truth would also mean removing himself from the Apostolic Throne. Lying would likewise mean removing himself from the Apostolic Throne,” the prime minister stated.

The post is part of a broader campaign by Pashinyan’s administration to assert greater oversight over the Church. In recent remarks, he said the number of celibate clergy who secretly maintain families remains unclear and suggested that the Armenian state should play a decisive role in the election of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

In parallel with these comments, it has also been reported that Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party is preparing to introduce draft legislation that would require the Armenian Apostolic Church to submit to state financial audits and greater transparency.

By Tamilla Hasanova