Pashinyan unveils major reform ‘roadmap’ for Armenian Apostolic Church: New Canon Law and Catholicos election
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented a plan he described as a “roadmap for reforming” the Armenian Apostolic Church after Catholicos Karekin II steps down—something the latter has so far refused to do.
In a post on social media, PM Pashinyan again referred to Karekin II by his secular name, Ktrij Nersisyan, emphasizing allegations that the Church leader is holding office illegitimately.
The “roadmap” envisages the election of a vicar following Karekin II’s removal. Then, a new Canon Law would be adopted, particularly addressing, among other things, the rules and guarantees for the integrity of clergymen and the financial transparency of the Church.
The new Canon Law would also address the Church’s need to remain apolitical and establish guarantees to ensure this. It will also ensure the compliance of the Church’s activities with the Tax Code of Armenia. “Armenian legislation, in turn, will provide guarantees that all taxes and duties paid to the state budget arising from the activities of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church will be fully refunded to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.”
The Canon Law will further provide social guarantees for clergymen, including benefits, revenue tax returns, pensions, and medical insurance. Pashinyan noted that currently most clergymen do not benefit from these systems, as they are not officially registered as receiving salaries.
Ultimately, the plan envisions the election of a new Catholicos according to the provisions of the new Canon Law. The Canon Law will be adopted by an authorized church body, he said.
If requested by the Vicar, the government would be ready to provide advisory support in developing the draft of the new Canon Law, he added.
Pashinyan previously stated that Catholicos Karekin II is illegitimate, alleging that he violated his vow of celibacy by fathering a child. Karekin II and several clergymen have accused Pashinyan of waging an anti-church campaign. Pashinyan has denied this, describing himself as a “devoted follower of the Armenian Apostolic Church” who is fighting against those who have “desecrated the Church’s sanctities.”