Hundreds of clergymen of the Armenian Apostolic Church expressed their support for the Catholicos of All Armenians

Hundreds of clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), both in Armenia and in the Diaspora, have issued public statements expressing their unconditional support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II. This wave of support comes against the backdrop of recent developments concerning the Church. At the same time, a smaller portion of the clergy has reportedly joined the «Church beautification agenda» promoted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

According to Gorthodox.com, the clergy’s appeals, which emphasize filial loyalty to the Church and belief in the continuity of its spiritual mission, are being actively circulated on social media and public space. More than 100 clergy have joined this initiative so far. In their statements, they emphasize the need to remain faithful and steadfast in the Church’s vocation and mission, expressing love and devotion to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos through selfless service.

The total number of clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church is 489 priests, of whom 250 serve in Armenia and 239 in the Diaspora. Appeals from various dioceses reaffirm the unwavering devotion to Mother Church and her Primate, emphasizing that the Patriarch continues to be a key symbol of the spiritual unity of the Armenian people.

However, in addition to broad support for the Catholicos, a small portion of the clergy expressed support for the «Church’s beautification agenda.» National Assembly Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinian said on social media that more than 20 archimandrites and priests have joined this agenda presented by ten bishops and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Recall, it was previously reported that the Spiritual Center of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, issued a warning to its bishops on December 9, 2025. The Church strongly discourages them from participating in «anti-canonical services» organized by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. This statement was made against the backdrop of strained relations between the church and state authorities, which has already led to the arrests of high-ranking hierarchs and supporters of the AAC.