Pashinyan backs bishops' move calling for Karekin II's resignation but says he’s not directing their actions

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday that he is not directing the actions of the ten bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who have called on their followers to gather at the church headquarters and demand the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II, but that he supports their move.

Speaking at a press conference, Pashinyan expressed his gratitude to the bishops for their “courage.”

Asked whether there is a risk of escalation or violence during the assembly, given that supporters of the Catholicos could also gather at the same time, Pashinyan ruled out any clashes.

“The law enforcement bodies of Armenia have all the tools and capabilities to neutralize, in accordance with the law, any individuals who engage in provocative behavior,” Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

He again referred to Karekin II by his secular name, as he considers him to be holding office illegitimately. “The Armenian Apostolic Church must be protected from Ktrich Nersisyan and other cult members who have seized the Mother See. I have already stated my position that Ktrich Nersisyan and his inner circle are sect members who have seized and distorted the doctrine of the Armenian Apostolic Church. I do not direct the actions of the ten bishops, but I welcome and support them,” he added.

When asked whether he would attend the invited gathering, the Prime Minister responded that he currently does not see a need to participate.

Pashinyan highlighted that the bishops who have called on the people to gather at the Mother See are clergymen of the Mother See itself, thus making their call legitimate.

Asked what ties him to the ten bishops, Pashinyan pointed to the “agenda of reforming the Armenian Apostolic Church.”

He said that “Ktrich Nersisyan will never make any decision in Armenia, because any decision of his is illegitimate.” Pashinyan also pointed to the continued church services held by several priests despite being defrocked by the Catholicos.

The Prime Minister emphasized, “We all—myself included, as well as the ten bishops—acknowledge that we are all responsible, including for the crisis in the Armenian Apostolic Church, and we are responsible for resolving this crisis. Today’s events are about the crisis in the Armenian Apostolic Church, and it must be resolved. It will not be resolved as long as Ktrich Nersisyan remains at the Mother See. If he is removed today, the start of overcoming the crisis will begin today; if he is removed tomorrow, then the process will begin tomorrow. This is also the next point of consensus between us and the ten bishops.”

He also denied reports alleging that he intends to select a locum tenens to replace Karekin II until new elections for Catholicos are held. He said the election should be made by the clergy.

Ten bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church issued a statement calling on followers to gather at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Church’s headquarters in the city of Vagharshapat, at 17:00 on Thursday and demand the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II, who has faced accusations of holding office illegitimately.

Shortly after the statement, in an apparent show of support for Karekin II, the Diocese of Aragatsotn issued a statement saying that a mass initially planned to take place in a village church on Thursday would instead be held at 17:00 at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral—the same time and place as the planned assembly.

The Armenian police then warned against any attempts to escalate the situation.

Earlier in December, 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.

The “roadmap” envisions the election of a locum tenens 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. 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.

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.”