Karekin II Accuses Armenia’s PM Pashinyan Of Anti-Church Campaign

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II declared that the Armenian Apostolic Church is under direct attack, accusing the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of initiating a now-open anti-church campaign that is disrupting the Church’s mission and damaging the spiritual life of the nation.

Speaking at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin during a service in which several clergy members were elevated to senior priesthood, Karekin II said:

“Our people are facing serious challenges, experiencing various forms of oppression, while the Church is under attack. The anti-church campaign led by the Prime Minister is now unmistakably clear. The Church’s mission is being obstructed, and serious harm is being done to the spiritual and ecclesiastical life of our people.”

He accused the authorities of abusing state power by interfering in internal church matters through unlawful and unjust actions in court, in violation of the Constitution and laws.

“Clergy members, from deacons to bishops, are being subjected to persecution and coercion,” he stated.

The Catholicos emphasized that the Church is the spiritual home of all and that defending its autonomy is a collective responsibility before God, the nation, and future generations.

Addressing the clergy present, he said: “As servants of God and spiritual stewards of our people, it is our sacred duty to uphold our Holy Church as the ‘Church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of truth,’ in line with apostolic teaching (1 Timothy 3:15). Together, let us resist the malicious efforts to sow division and hostility within the national and ecclesiastical domains, and defend justice and truth.”

He called on the faithful to embody the spirit of Ghevondians and Vartanants as a unifying force for the global Armenian nation: “With faith, brotherly love, and national unity, let us pave the way for spiritual revival and build a prosperous future for our people.”

Criminal proceedings have been launched against six members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, who now face charges for allegedly obstructing the execution of a court ruling. As part of the case, travel bans have been imposed. The Mother See has condemned what it calls blatant violations of Armenia’s Constitution and laws, accusing the authorities of unlawful interference in church affairs.

At the invitation of Catholicos Garegin II, the Bishops’ Synod is scheduled to take place in Sankt Pölten, Austria, from February 16 to 19.