Large crowds gather outside Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

A heavy police presence is in place near the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, ahead of a planned protest.

The demonstration was called by ten bishops aligned with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. They urged the public to gather at the Mother See at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday to support what they described as the "just demand" for Catholicos Karekin II's resignation, calling it an "urgent necessity".

In response, numerous politicians, public and cultural figures supporting the church announced plans to arrive at the complex at 3 pm. A large group of church supporters is already present on the grounds.

Karekin II and other senior clergy are inside the cathedral. The Armenian police have issued a statement urging all parties to refrain from illegal or provocative acts and to comply with officers' orders.

Meanwhile, the Mother See has issued a cautionary appeal to the protesting bishops, warning of the risks of the rally.