Pashinyan says he does not direct bishops involved in campaign against the Church

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that he does not anticipate any clashes at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin today, ruling out the possibility of unrest.

Speaking with journalists, Pashinyan said that Armenia’s law enforcement agencies possess all the necessary tools and capacities to neutralize any individuals engaging in provocative behavior, in accordance with the law. He further asserted that the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church must be “protected from the Catholicos of All Armenians and a group of other sectarians who have seized the Mother See.”

Pashinyan said that His Holiness the Catholicos and several senior clergy are “sectarians,” and stressed that they are undermining the Church’s creed.

As for the bishops who have joined him in the campaign against the Church and who were called “treasonous”, Pashinyan assured that he does not direct their actions. At the same time, he emphasized that he welcomes and supports their steps.

Pashinyan noted that the sole factor uniting him with these bishops is a shared agenda of church renovation. He also stated that they will not accept any decisions made by the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Pashinyan added that, from his perspective, Stepan Asatryan continues to be recognized as “Rev. Aram,” Aramayis Takhmazyan as “Rev. Tade,” and Vardan Hunanyan as “Rev. Taron.”