Media: Armenian PM planning protest march on Etchmiadzin

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is allegedly planning a protest march targeting the residence of Catholicos Garegin II, the spiritual leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, sources told Armenian newspaper Graparak.

The event, described as a “protest-assault,” is reportedly set to take place on July 22 in the city of Etchmiadzin, Caliber.Az cites the paper.

Citing unnamed sources, Graparak claims that Pashinyan intends to mobilise supporters from his ruling Civil Contract party for a demonstration starting at Etchmiadzin’s central square, culminating in a march toward the Catholicos' residence. The date, the paper notes, was deliberately selected while the Prime Minister is officially on vacation, from July 18 to 23.

According to the report, Pashinyan has allegedly held private meetings to discuss potential scenarios for the protest and has also reportedly explored ways to launch a campaign aimed at unseating Garegin II. 

The operation is said to be coordinated by the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Araik Harutyunyan, with Pashinyan himself expected to lead the march.

According to the report, plainclothes police officers and security personnel will be embedded in the crowd to monitor for possible resistance, particularly from members of the clergy.

These claims come amid a deepening conflict between the Armenian government and the Church. Since May 2025, tensions have escalated due to Pashinyan's vocal criticism of Garegin II, including accusations of violating religious vows and undermining the Church’s influence, especially at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

By Sabina Mammadli