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.

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