Armenian PM Urges Supporters to Oust Catholicos From Etchmiadzin Residence

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called on his supporters to be ready to remove Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II from his residence at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the spiritual headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“We will do this together. Be ready,” Pashinyan wrote in a message posted on his Telegram channel, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

He also reiterated allegations that the Catholicos had violated his vow of celibacy, intensifying his ongoing public criticism of the church’s spiritual leader.

The move has drawn sharp attention, as the Armenian Constitution mandates a separation between church and state, prohibiting government officials from interfering in religious affairs. However, Pashinyan justified his stance by invoking his personal faith, stating that he speaks not as prime minister, but as a believer who, “by coincidence,” also holds office.