Armenia's PM Launches Controversial Assault on Church Leadership Amidst Political Fallout

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has made explosive claims against the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church, accusing him of fathering a child in violation of his oath of celibacy. This unprecedented confrontation has heightened tensions between the government and the Church, further polarizing an already divided Armenian society and possibly impacting future peace negotiations and upcoming elections.

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stirred controversy by alleging that a senior cleric, specifically the Catholicos Karekin II, has breached his vow of celibacy by fathering a child. Pashinyan's claims, made during a heated political discourse, represent a significant escalation in the strained relationship between his liberal administration and the conservative Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). His pointed remarks included a taunt directed at Karekin, suggesting he indulge in less noble pursuits, implying the Church leader's moral failings.

Although the Church has yet to respond to the allegations, it has historically maintained its autonomy in governance despite Armenia's constitutional acknowledgment of the AAC as a national institution. The Church's authority may now be tested, as Pashinyan demands Karekin's resignation, claiming that his alleged actions render him unfit for his position. This clash comes as the government has faced increasing opposition from various political factions, particularly after their defeat in a recent war with Azerbaijan, during which Karekin II became vocal in calling for the Prime Minister's resignation. This newly ignited conflict is not merely an internal ecclesiastical affair; it threatens to breach the fragile peace that has been sought between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan’s confrontational stance has garnered support from opposition parties and former presidents, who rally behind the Church, viewing this moment as pivotal in the ongoing battle for influence in Armenia. Tensions have further escalated as the Prime Minister has made sweeping accusations against other senior Church figures, fueling speculation regarding the political motivations behind these attacks.

As the two entities push against each other, this conflict reflects deep-rooted societal fractures in Armenia that extend beyond religious differences, intertwining with national identity and geopolitical leanings towards either Russia or the West.

The Armenian political landscape is especially charged with the upcoming general elections in June 2026, prompting analysts to view Pashinyan’s aggressive posture toward the Church as a possible preemptive maneuver against a conservative backlash. Further complicating matters, recent support for the Church from influential figures, such as billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, has led to his swift legal troubles, further indicating the tense intertwining of religion and politics in Armenia.

The situation remains fluid, with potential repercussions reaching far beyond Armenia’s borders, impacting diaspora communities and the broader regional dynamics. As this unprecedented political drama unfolds, it underscores the fragility of Armenian democracy and the combustible mix of faith, power, and national identity that currently defines its trajectory.