Pashinyan allowed protests at mention of Catholicos' name in churches, deepening conflict with AAC

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan considers it acceptable for parishioners to protest when the name of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II (in the world Ktrich Nersisian) is mentioned during services in Armenian churches. This statement by the Prime Minister, made against the backdrop of prolonged tension and mutual accusations between the secular authorities and the Armenian Apostolic Church, signals the deepening of the conflict.

In a live broadcast on his social media accounts, Pashinyan stressed that such behavior is a «legitimate expectation,» Novosti-Armenia reported. He noted that people who position themselves as superior and living according to certain canons, but do not fulfill them, should face the reaction of the followers of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church. According to the Prime Minister, the believers should not only form an attitude towards such facts, but also express it, achieving practical results. Pashinyan also stated that he will participate in the liturgy at the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Garni and expects that Ktrich Nersisyan’s name will not be mentioned there.

Pashinian’s statements are part of a broader campaign of criticism against the AAC. Earlier, on May 29, the prime minister had already criticized, referring to the «closetization» of Armenia’s churches, implying that they are used to store unnecessary things, and expressing surprise at the falseness and trampling of shrines. In response, Bishop Makar Hakobyan, Primate of the AAC Diocese of Syunik, called Pashinyan’s remarks not only inappropriate and extremely unfortunate, but also insulting and disrespectful to the structure that for centuries has been the spiritual light and source of the Armenian people’s national resilience. He emphasized that the Church has always been a holy abode of faith and national unity.

According to Novosti-Armenia, a few days later Pashinyan accused Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II of breaking his vow of celibacy and having a child, claiming that because of this he cannot be the Supreme Patriarch. The Prime Minister repeatedly raised the issue in social networks, demanding explanations from the head of the AAC, and announced his intention to create a coordination headquarters to organize the election of the new Catholicos.

The AAC Supreme Church Council, following a meeting in Echmiadzin, characterized Pashinyan’s remarks against the Church and the Catholicos as a «shameful anti-church campaign.» The Council reminded that the anti-Church behavior of the head of the government and the processes initiated against national values and the Church are fraught with destructive consequences for Armenia.