The political scientist assessed the struggle between the government and the church in Armenia

The secular authorities of Armenia have increased pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), and the contradictions that have accumulated within the religious structure have begun to surface. This was stated by political analyst Hrant Mikaelian in an interview with Izvestia.

"I note that the current dispute has a geopolitical dimension. The authorities want to make peace with Azerbaijan and Turkey at any cost, while attacking the Armenian Apostolic Church for allegedly being pro-Russian. Accordingly, if Pashinyan succeeds, the positions of Baku and Ankara in Transcaucasia will clearly strengthen," Hrant Mikaelian explains.

The expert adds that the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, has repeatedly stated that he will not resign voluntarily under any scenario. According to Mikaelyan, in such circumstances, the authorities may decide on an illegal coup, that is, the arrest or forcible expulsion of the head of the church from his residence in Etchmiadzin.

Earlier in late November, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with several bishops and archbishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church. A group of church leaders also issued a statement calling on Garegin II to resign his post. In the summer of 2025, Nikol Pashinyan made a similar statement, calling for preparations to expel the religious leader from his residence in Etchmiadzin.

Read more about the situation with the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Izvestia article.

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