Pashinyan faces backlash over participation in liturgy by defrocked priest

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced widespread criticism after attending a divine liturgy officiated by defrocked cleric Stepan Asatryan at the Hovhannavank Monastery on Sunday.

Pashinyan posted photos from the event on his Facebook page, prompting mixed reactions. While some supporters commented “Amen” and “dear prime minister”, many others condemned both the service and his presence there.

Critics called the event a “blasphemy”, “gathering of unbelievers” and “a desecration”. Others accused Pashinyan of dividing the nation and politicizing religion.

“You have defiled the church for your ego. God’s punishment will be harsh,” one user wrote.

Another described it as “a performance without tickets”.

The defrocked priest also shared photos from the service, sparking further outrage. Social media users accused him of betraying his vows and misleading believers. “A defrocked priest has no right to celebrate a liturgy. You are deceiving yourself,” one commented.