Armenian PM Signs Church Reform Roadmap Amid Controversy
Armenia’s Prime Minister and church leaders sign a roadmap for reforming the Armenian Apostolic Church, prompting the Church to convene a council to address tensions and alleged divisions.
YEREVAN, ARMENIA — In early January, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a “roadmap for renewing the Armenian Church” alongside six archbishops and four bishops, posting a video of the event on his Telegram channel, according to Sputnik Armenia via Oxu.Az.
The roadmap outlines steps for advancing church reform, including the removal of the de facto head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), the election of a locum tenens of the Catholicos, adoption of a new AAC Charter, and the eventual election of the Catholicos of All Armenians.
In response, the Armenian Apostolic Church announced plans to convene a National Church Council. Former Justice Minister Gevorg Danielyan, a Supreme Spiritual Council member, said the meeting will clarify that the alleged schism in the Church does not exist, and he urged dissenting individuals to “come to their senses” and remain part of the Church. Dates for the council have not been finalized but are expected soon due to the urgency of the issues.
Previously, the UOJ reported that an attempted takeover at the Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral was thwarted by the faithful.
