Media: Garegin II criticised for equating himself with church

The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Garegin II, has come under scrutiny following allegations that a senior church official, Arshak, spread slander against the head of the Kotayk Diocese, Archbishop Ter Arakel Karamian.

According to the Armenian media outlet MediaNews, Arshak’s actions took place over several years and reportedly occurred with the knowledge and instruction of Garegin II.

In response to concerns raised by a group of bishops about Arshak’s conduct, Garegin II reportedly stated that removing him would “mean the destruction of the Armenian Church.”

Commentators have suggested that the statement reflects a deeper issue within the church hierarchy, with the head of the church allegedly equating his authority—and by extension, the institution itself—with the actions of individual officials.

Critics argue that such an approach risks conflating personal misconduct with the integrity of the church as an institution.

The MediaNews report highlights that the controversy has prompted debate about governance, accountability, and the theological understanding of the Church’s holiness in relation to the behaviour of its officials.

By Aghakazim Guliyev