Garegin II’s absence could break 23-year tradition at Armenia parliament opening

Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II is not expected to attend the first session of Armenia’s newly elected parliament, marking a possible break with a tradition dating back to 2003.

The Armenian Apostolic Church has reportedly not received an invitation to the ceremony and is unlikely to receive one, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

Representatives of Armenia’s ruling party could argue that the law does not require the Catholicos to be invited to the first parliamentary session, but only grants him the right to address lawmakers.

One ruling-party deputy jokingly suggested that Garegin II could attend the session on his own initiative and bless it.

The Catholicos has attended and blessed the first parliamentary sessions following every election since 2003.

By Sabina Mammadli