Armenian group warns of possible plan to detain Catholicos Karekin II

The All-Armenian Council for the Protection of the Armenian Apostolic Church calls on supporters to gather at Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport on Saturday evening, alleging that authorities may attempt to detain or isolate Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II upon his return from a pastoral visit to Marseille.

In a statement shared by Pastinfo, the group accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government of escalating hostility toward the church and pointed to “unverified but concerning” reports suggested Karekin II could be taken to custody from the airport.

“It aims to obstruct the meeting of bishops planned for December 10-12 and expected to address pressing issues,” it said.

The council urged people to gather outside the airport’s VIP terminal at 8 p.m. local time to express support for the church leader.