Pashinyan seeking rival church leadership, analyst says

Armenian security and military affairs analyst Hayk Nahapetyan on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of attempting to create a rival church leadership to weaken the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Speaking to reporters outside the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on January 6, Nahapetyan stressed the Armenian Apostolic Church is headed by Jesus Christ, with Catholicos Karekin II serving as its spiritual leader, and stressed that political authorities have no role in church governance.

“Nikol Pashinyan is trying to create a rival ‘see’ made up of people loyal to him,” Nahapetyan said. “This is a political process.”

He pointed to a recent statement signed by Pashinyan and 10 bishops, arguing that the prime minister signed the document in his official capacity rather than as a private individual. “That made it clear that this is a state-level political initiative,” he said.

Nahapetyan further alleged that the effort serves the interests of Azerbaijan and Turkey. “For them, it is vital that a rival church authority be established in Armenia,” he said, adding that any such attempt would ultimately fail.

He also rejected speculation about the possible resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. “He is an anointed leader and does not have the right to step down,” Nahapetyan said.

In addition, Nahapetyan predicted political change in Armenia in 2026, claiming the current authorities would be forced from power.

“Government officials will pack their suitcases and flee,” he said. “On Nikol’s plane there will only be room for his family members. The others will have to figure out how to escape.”