church-state tensions in Armenia

Pashinyan on Catholicos: 'Ex-president Serzh Sargsyan also didn't want to step down, but was forced to'

Armenia

January 09, 2026

According to the Armenian prime minister, he and the 10 bishops on the Church Reform Council will do everything possible to ensure the Patriarch decides to step down.

Confrontation between government and church continues in Armenia: Pashinyan on steps to remove Catholicos

Armenia

January 05, 2026

The Prime Minister and 10 bishops issued a statement presenting a “roadmap” for church reform, aiming ultimately to remove Garegin II from the throne and elect a new Patriarch.

Pashinyan absent from Etchmiadzin protest calling for removal of Catholicos Karekin II

Armenia

December 18, 2025

At the same time as the protest by ten bishops demanding the Catholicos “step down,” a church service took place at the Cathedral, attended by opposition figures supporting Karekin II.

Another archbishop arrested in Armenia over drug-related charges

Armenia

December 05, 2025

Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan is accused of ordering drugs to be planted in the backpack of a protester opposing the Catholicos. Earlier, two other archbishops were arrested in politically motivated cases.

'Catholicos of All Armenians has no intention of deserting' – Head of Holy See’s Office

Armenia

December 02, 2025

Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan’s press conference was held in response to a statement by ten senior clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church calling on the Catholicos to abdicate.

Armenian Church faces rift as several priests condemn Catholicos’s stance

Armenia

November 27, 2025

Clergymen, having verified the authenticity of intimate videos involving Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, said: “Garegin II is trying at all costs to conceal the sacrilege, becoming its protector”

'Suspend service': Appeal to Catholicos of All Armenians over intimate video allegedly involving archbishop

Armenia

November 25, 2025

Members of the spiritual commission made this proposal. Their letter to the Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church leaked to the press. Here are all the details of the scandal.

Armenia’s municipal elections: 'Сatholicos fails to secure vote of confidence in Etchmiadzin'

Armenia

November 18, 2025

In the enlarged community of Vagharshapat, which includes Armenia’s spiritual capital, Etchmiadzin, the ruling party won the elections. This victory was significant for the authorities amid their conflict with the Catholicos.