Armenian authorities include resignation of Catholicos in government program

Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians. Photo: Photolure/Vahram Baghdasaryan

On August 20, 2026, the authorities of Armenia included the reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) and the removal of Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians in the government program for 2026–2031, reports "News-Armenia."

The document states that the reform of the AAC is necessary for the "return of the Church to the canonical field" and the exclusion of its politicization. The authorities also declared the need to prevent the Church from becoming a "stronghold of hybrid warfare" on the part of external forces.

One of the envisaged measures is the removal of the current head of the AAC, followed by the election of a Locum Tenens of the Catholicos. After that, the authorities intend to push for the adoption of a Church statute, which is to regulate matters of financial transparency and clergy accountability.

The government also plans to include clergy in the state social security system and ensure transparency in the financing of the AAC. Subsequently, according to the program, the election of a new Catholicos of All Armenians is to take place.

The open conflict between the Armenian authorities and Karekin II has been ongoing since 2025. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly called on the Primate to vacate the throne, while Etchmiadzin has described the authorities' actions as state interference in the internal life of the Church and pressure on the clergy.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the World Council of Churches spoke out in support of the Armenian Church.

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