Media: Armenian authorities plan to depose Catholicos Garegin II

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reportedly ordered law enforcement agencies to closely monitor opposition politicians, lawyers, and human rights activists, particularly those supporting former presidents Robert Kocharyan and Samvel Karapetyan.

According to Caliber.Az, citing the Armenian newspaper Zhoghovurd, further criminal cases are expected to follow the recent arrest of lawyer Alexander Kochubaev.

The publication also claims that strong or insulting criticism of the authorities could become a basis for prosecution.

The newspaper reports that the government intends to continue exerting pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church and is allegedly planning to depose Catholicos Garegin II on the 26th anniversary of his enthronement, on October 27.

In the meantime, law enforcement is said to be targeting clergy close to the Catholicos.

Pashinyan accuses Catholicos Garegin II of celibacy violations and political meddling, demanding his resignation. On October 15, 2025, raids detained Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan and six priests in Aragatsotn, following earlier arrests of Archbishops Bagrat Galstanyan and Mikael Ajapahyan on coup allegations.

As Garegin's 26th enthronement anniversary nears on October 27, analysts warn of a potential forced deposition, risking spiritual unity ahead of elections.

By Aghakazim Guliyev