Ruben Mkhitaryan: Security forces retreat under pressure from clergy and church supporters

Security forces have withdrawn from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin after facing strong resistance from Armenian clergy and citizens, according to Ruben Mkhitaryan, head of the My Strong Community faction in the Gyumri City Council.

On Friday morning, Armenian National Security Service (NSS) and police officers arrived at the Etchmiadzin cathedral to arrest Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the head of the Shirak Diocese, who is accused of making public calls to seize power. However, clerics and supporters of the Armenian church prevented the arrest, ultimately forcing law enforcement officers to retreat.

In a video posted on social media on Friday, Mkhitaryan stated that while the authorities have pulled back, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration has not abandoned its plans. He accused the government of attempting to undermine the Armenian Apostolic Church, calling it the “last pillar of Armenian identity.”

He strongly criticized the acting head of the National Security Service. “The Mother See has witnessed things never seen before,” the councilor said.

Mkhitaryan confirmed that he and others will remain in Etchmiadzin “as long as needed” to defend the church.