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Armenia is currently undergoing a process of spiritual renewal, according to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
“My spiritual life has been fully restored today, because I no longer attend liturgies as the Prime Minister; I go as an ordinary follower of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The atmosphere of de-spiritualization that existed was a significant obstacle, but now that obstacle has been overcome, and the greatest problem has been resolved,” Pashinyan said at a press briefing when asked about the Church.
He added that the process of “liberating” the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin has begun and will inevitably reach its goal.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has accused Catholicos Karekin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, of illegitimately holding office and has urged him to step down. Pashinyan alleges that the Catholicos breached his vow of celibacy and fathered a child. In response, several clergymen have accused the Prime Minister of waging an anti-church campaign. Pashinyan has denied this, describing himself as a devout follower of the Armenian Apostolic Church who seeks to “liberate” it from corruption and illegitimacy.