Pashinyan calls for public support of priests backing reform of Armenian Apostolic Church

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called for public support for priests who have joined the process of reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which calls for the resignation of incumbent Catholicos Karekin II over allegations of illegitimacy, as well as the adoption of a new Canon Law.

In a post on social media, Pashinyan said that three priests have joined the reform initiative, bringing the total number of priests supporting it to 16.

“My words of fraternal support and encouragement, and the assurance of my respect, go to all the priests who have joined the Reform and those who are preparing to join it. Reverend Fathers, with your blessing and active participation as well, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church shall be reformed,” Pashinyan wrote.

“I also call on all our communities and regions, and on our beloved people, to support, encourage, promote, and protect all the priests who have joined the Reform and those who are preparing to join it,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and 10 high-ranking clergymen of the Armenian Apostolic Church earlier signed a statement launching what they described as the Coordinating Council for the Process of Reforming the Armenian Apostolic Church. In the statement, they called on other clergymen, as well as the public, to join the initiative.

The reform seeks to oust Karekin II, the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church, replace him with a locum tenens, adopt a new Canon Law, and elect a new Catholicos.

Pashinyan has accused Karekin II—whom he refers to by his secular name, Ktrich Nersisyan—of holding office illegitimately. The prime minister has called on the Church leader to step down, but the latter has refused to do so.

Pashinyan has previously stated that Catholicos Karekin II is illegitimate because he allegedly 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.” The Pashinyan administration has also accused Karekin II of being a foreign agent.