Tensions between government and Church continue in Armenia

As protests initiated by the Church against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration continue in Armenia, both sides continue to trade accusations. In the capital, Yerevan, demonstrators led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan gathered in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protest the tension that occurred during Catholicos Karekin II's attendance at a ceremony at a memorial yesterday.

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Tensions between government and Church continue in Armenia

According to reports in the Armenian press, security forces attempted to block the religious leader of the Armenians, Catholicos Karekin II, and his accompanying delegation as they sought to enter the Sardarabad Memorial in the Armavir region, where Republic Day celebrations were held yesterday.

Following a brief standoff between clergy and security forces, police allowed the delegation to pass.

While the Armenian Apostolic Church leadership criticized the police and the government for the tension, the Nikol Pashinyan administration blamed the Church.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Taron Chakhoyan stated in a social media post: "These clergymen engaged in anti-state politics, those who have turned the Church into a political platform and replaced religious service with politics, are not superior to anyone. They will face all the consequences of their anti-state policies."

'YOU HAVE TO THINK WITHIN THAT MOLD'

In his statement on the matter, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that when they took over the administration in Armenia in 2018, they were "continuing the religious-feudal tradition," adding: "Now this is happening to us because we are overcoming this mindset within ourselves. The religious-feudal system is rebelling, saying, 'What right do you have to think? We created the thought patterns, and you have to think within that mold.' If you think outside of it, they call you a 'traitor'."

In the capital, Yerevan, demonstrators led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan gathered in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protest the tension that occurred during Catholicos Karekin II's attendance at a ceremony at a memorial yesterday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Some citizens and politicians organized by the Armenian Church began a march to the capital from the Tavush and Shirak regions on May 4, followed by protests nationwide, primarily in the capital, Yerevan.

In a press conference on May 7, Pashinyan sent a message to the head of the Church, Karekin II, whose leading figures he accused of "lying and fraud," saying, "It is clear that the leader of this process is the Catholicos of All Armenians and that the one who will benefit the most is Robert Kocharyan."

Pashinyan, who wants the Church—which is demanding his resignation—to stay out of government affairs, stated that a change in administration could only be achieved through elections.

News Source: AA