Armenian PM Says Security Ordered Clergy Not to Mention Catholicos at Services He Attends

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Photo: oc-media.org

YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the National Security Service has instructed clergy not to mention the name of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II during liturgies attended by the head of government. He made the remarks during a briefing broadcast by Armenia Today.

According to Pashinyan, any service attended by him or other officials is treated as an “object of protection,” meaning state structures “analyze possible risks” and set the order of the liturgy. That includes directives not to commemorate the Catholicos, whom Pashinyan has publicly rejected as the legitimate head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"When I am going to go to the service, we ask that the fact that we do not consider Ktrich Nersisyan to be the Catholicos is taken into account," Pashinyan said.

For several months, the prime minister has accused the Catholicos of having “violated the canons” and insisted he should resign. Amid growing pressure on the Church, Pashinyan has been attending services celebrated by clergy who are defrocked, openly opposed to Karekin II, or willing to serve without commemorating him.

The Assembly of Bishops and Primates of the Armenian Apostolic Church has condemned the omission of the Catholicos’ name during the liturgy as a breach of church order that warrants severe punishment unless the priest repents.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Armenian Apostolic Church has rejected calls for the Catholicos to step down.

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