exacerbation of contradictions between the Armenian authorities and the church

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.

Armenian justice minister says ‘facts’ about Catholicos may be declassified

Armenia

December 12, 2025

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan earlier said he “doesn’t need a catholicos who answers to him, but one who refuses to answer to a senior lieutenant of a foreign intelligence service.”

Tensions between Armenian authorities and Church: Pashinyan’s plan to remove Catholicos

Armenia

July 24, 2025

The prime minister reportedly proposes appointing a married priest as acting Catholicos and holding elections for a new one. Full details of the plan and expert commentary