Armenia's Prime Minister again demands resignation of Catholicos Karekin II
Nikol Pashinyan. Photo: polit.reactor
On August 28, 2025, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, made a statement once again urging Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II (Ktrij Nersisyan) to voluntarily leave the residence in Etchmiadzin. This was reported by ARMInfo.
"My position will not change under any circumstances — he must go. I will lead this process, and soon you will witness its first manifestations," said the head of the Armenian government.
Pashinyan emphasized that his initiative is not connected with a political replacement of the Catholicos but is aimed at carrying out a “spiritual renovation” in the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to him, the presence of Karekin II in office is a “spiritual contamination” that prevents the Armenian Apostolic Church from fulfilling its mission.
"The Armenian Apostolic Church is the epicenter of our moral values. If this epicenter is contaminated, then it is not serious to speak of a value-oriented social system. This process must begin precisely with the Mother See of Etchmiadzin," noted the Prime Minister.
The politician added that he expects a voluntary decision from the Catholicos: "Now is a very suitable moment for this. My agenda is filled with international visits, but I will find time for this important process. And it is important that he does not miss this chance."
Pashinyan refuted rumors about the authorities' intention to use forceful methods, emphasizing that such approaches have not been used in his political activities, nor in relation to the Church.
On June 27, employees of the National Security Service of Armenia broke into the territory of Etchmiadzin during a meeting of the clergy led by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. The operation's target was Archbishop of the Shirak Diocese Mikael Adjapakhyan, accused of preparing a terrorist act and attempting a coup.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that human rights activists in the USA called on Trump to help return Armenian Christians to Karabakh.
Read also
Religious procession to Vashkivtsi monastery begin in Bukovyna
UOC believers set out in a religious procession to the Saint Anna Convent in Vashkivtsi ahead of the patronal feast of the Maccabean Martyrs.
In Nigeria, Islamists kill three Christians in one week
In Nigeria's Plateau State, Fulani militants continue to attack Christian communities; one of the victims was shot on his way to a Sunday morning worship service.
US military intervention did not protect Nigeria's Christians, lawyer says
A Nigerian human rights defender stated that attacks on Christians did not stop following US military intervention, and that militants merely changed their tactics.
Konotop Eparchy venerates miraculous Vorhol Icon of Mother of God
Metropolitan Roman of Konotop and Hlukhiv celebrated the Liturgy at the site where the Vorhol Icon of the Mother of God appeared.
UOC comments on collapse of Khotyn Fortress wall
The Church drew attention to the Culture Ministry’s inaction over collapses at Khotyn Fortress and raised concerns about the fate of churches taken away from religious communities.
Drone hits UOC church in Pamyatne
Windows were blown out and the roof was damaged at a church of the Nizhyn Eparchy dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki during an attack.