Armenian government and Church leadership conflict

The Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church have entered a period of intense conflict following state policies aimed at the removal of the Church’s leadership. The tension originated from a government programme approved by the National Assembly that included a commitment to unilaterally remove the head of the Church. While government spokesperson Melanya Harutyunyan stated the aim was to “restore the normal functioning of the Church’s own bodies,” the Church’s Supreme Spiritual Council condemned the move, arguing the National Assembly lacks the constitutional competence to interfere in religious autonomy.

The situation escalated into legal proceedings against the head of the Church, Catholicos Garegin II, and six high-ranking bishops. Prosecutors have leveled accusations including violations of celibacy, involvement in political activities, and ties to foreign intelligence services. The Church maintains these legal actions are “politically motivated,” noting that tensions intensified after Garegin II called for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation following Armenia’s military defeat in a conflict with Azerbaijan.

Recently, Prime Minister Pashinyan has advanced a government-backed initiative to reform the Church, alleging a “crisis” involving clerical misconduct, financial opacity, and foreign influence. The proposed roadmap includes the removal of Catholicos Garegin II, the appointment of an interim leader, and the adoption of a new charter. To facilitate this, the Civil Contract party has moved to establish an 11-member parliamentary inquiry commission. While the ruling party approved the commission, opposition factions “Strong Armenia” and “Armenia” have refused to participate, arguing the move violates the constitutional separation of church and state. The Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed it is examining allegations from the government report for potential criminal conduct.