Pashinyan says he is fighting against violators of canon law, denies anti-church campaign

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has denied accusations of waging an anti-church campaign with his recent statements about several clergymen, including Catholicos Karekin II.

Pashinyan told reporters that those who have violated the canon law of the Armenian Apostolic Church are the ones who are waging a war against the Church.

“I couldn’t have, cannot and have not declared war upon the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Mother See. The people who are violating the Armenian Apostolic Church canon law, the vow of celibacy, our traditions, are the ones who have declared war. My task, as a devoted representative of the faithful flock of the Armenian Church, is to return the Church to spiritual values and spiritual roots,” Pashinyan said at a press briefing. 

Pashinyan highlighted the fact that none of the clergymen accused of breaching the vow of celibacy has denied the accusations. He said he has evidence to substantiate his accusations.

“Haven’t you noticed that they haven’t disputed my statements? If they do, they can sue me and the evidence will be presented, or the evidence will be presented in any other format,” Pashinyan said.

PM Nikol Pashinyan had earlier accused Catholicos Karekin II and other clergymen of violating their vow of celibacy, thus deeming them illegitimate. He said the Church shall therefore elect a new leader and those who have breached the canon law shall be defrocked.