Pashinyan Reportedly Forming Clerical Group to Push Armenian Church Reorganization
Sources warn of rising pressure on Catholicos Karekin II and possible internal turmoil.
YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has assembled a circle of clergy to discuss the internal situation of the Armenian Apostolic Church and draft plans for its reorganization, according to a Nov. 21 report from News.am citing the Armenian newspaper Zhoghovurd.
The group has reportedly been tasked with raising issues aimed at members of Catholicos Karekin II’s inner circle and the broader Church hierarchy, creating what sources describe as conditions for applying pressure on the head of the Church. The newspaper warns that such moves could heighten tensions within the Church and may even lead to attempts to remove the Catholicos from his residence in Etchmiadzin.
According to the report, the initiative is expected to be led by Stepan Asatryan (Ter Aram), a defrocked cleric who has allegedly received assurances of freedom of action and the possibility of reinstatement in exchange for participating in efforts against the Catholicos. Sources told the outlet that Pashinyan believes pressure on the Church leadership will continue to escalate.
Previously, UOJ reported that Pashinyan claimed the government might take over churches amid the current rift with the Catholicos.
