"Fact": Anti-Church Policy: Where is Pashinyan's "Revolution" Leading?

The “Fact” daily writes: “On July 20, Nikol Pashinyan actually announced the need for the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. In the published message, he noted: “Ktrich Nersisyan (the secular name of Garegin II) must vacate the Patriarchate... Get ready for the Great Spiritual Meeting in the central square of Etchmiadzin.” Earlier, at a press conference held on July 16, Pashinyan announced that he was ready to lead the “revolution” in the Armenian Apostolic Church, comparing it to the movement that took place after his coming to power in 2018, when President Serzh Sargsyan was removed from office.

International organizations that protect religious freedom are increasingly expressing concern about the violation of the rights of the Church in Armenia. The US-based Armenian weekly considers Pashinyan's actions against the Church to be "crossing a red line," noting that in such a case, his days in power are numbered.

According to our information, there are disagreements within the ruling Civil Contract party regarding the policy towards the Church. However, Pashinyan continues to convince his supporters of the need to bring the Church under political control.

At the same time, a number of MPs and other officials, on the instructions of the Prime Minister, are participating in a public campaign to weaken the authority of the Church. In particular, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan announced on July 17 that the government, if necessary, will present a “roadmap” for “liberating the Monastery,” as was the case during the “velvet revolution.”

Pashinyan’s policy towards the Armenian Apostolic Church is perceived as an attempt to weaken an important institution that enjoys great public trust. After all, the Church remains the main center of opposition to the policy of concessions towards Turkey and Azerbaijan. At the same time, pressure on the Church is perceived as an obvious part of the negotiations for the Pashinyan-Aliyev “peace treaty”, as well as an element of the preparation for the 2026 parliamentary elections, aimed at neutralizing the main opponents.