The Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Church condemned the authorities' interference in the internal affairs of the clergy

The Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church has strongly criticized the government’s actions, accusing the authorities of violating constitutional norms and attempting to unlawfully interfere in the affairs of the Church. The Church leadership views the current policy as a deliberate campaign to discredit Church institutions.

During an emergency meeting in Echmiadzin, the See of the Catholicos, which was chaired by Catholicos Garegin II of All Armenians, it was emphasized that secular authorities do not have the authority to carry out reforms within the Church or to forcibly impose administrative changes. Representatives of the episcopate called such actions a gross violation of the country’s Constitution.

An official statement from the council lists a number of government measures that Church representatives view as hostile: the removal of the subject “History of the Armenian Church” from the school curriculum, the closure of the military chaplaincy program, and restrictions on pastoral activities in correctional facilities. In addition to ideological pressure, the clergy points to economic oppression, manifested in the imposition of exorbitant taxes and fines on religious communities.

Despite accusations from the state, in which the church’s actions are portrayed as a threat to national security, the episcopate has categorically rejected such insinuations. Church leaders have declared their intention to continue defending the rights of the faithful and national unity, despite pressure and attempts at criminal prosecution, as well as the authorities’ previously announced plans to reform church governance.