Pashinyan announced his intention to lead a movement against the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church

On July 8, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Facebook (owned by Meta, a company whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation) his intention to lead a movement against the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC).

"Despite all the controversies, the most important thing has become apparent during this time — the complete lack of connection and relationship with Jesus Christ among people like His Holiness Ktrik Nersisyan (lay name of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. — Ed.), [Armenian theologian and priest of the Armenian Apostolic Church] Vazgen Galstanyan, Gevorg Ajapakhyan (head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Mikael Ajapakhyan. — Ed.) and others," Pashinyan wrote.

He also spoke harshly about the clergy, saying that "the house of Jesus Christ is occupied by an anti-national and anti-state group and must be liberated."

Concluding the appeal, the Prime Minister stressed that he would "lead this release."

Arrest-wise: Armenian Church may be deprived of independence

How will the situation in the country develop after the detention of another archbishop

On June 28, the Armenian Apostolic Church called on the country's judicial system to act within the law and immediately release Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, who was arrested for two months. It is noted that the anti-church policy of the state, as well as the rhetoric of hostility and hatred against the clergy from Pashinyan and other high-ranking officials of the country led to the arrest.

On the same day, the Yerevan court arrested Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan for two months. Lawyer Ara Zohrabyan stated that the defense plans to appeal the court's decision.

Ajapakhyan was detained on June 27. The Investigative Committee of Armenia has opened a criminal case against him on calls to overthrow the government in the country. In turn, Armenian lawyer Varazdat Harutyunyan stated that the criminal case against the archbishop on calls to seize power is absurd from a legal point of view.