Armenia's PM Launches Assault on Church Leadership Amid Political Turmoil

Armenia's political landscape has taken a significant turn as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly accused Catholicos Karekin II of fathering a child, intensifying the divide between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. This clash may disrupt ongoing peace negotiations with Azerbaijan and deepen societal polarization ahead of the upcoming elections.

Armenia's political landscape has taken a dramatic turn with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan leveling serious allegations against Catholicos Karekin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). In a surprising shift from his previous stance of non-interference in religious affairs, Pashinyan hinted that the senior cleric had violated his vow of celibacy by fathering a child, urging him to resign. Pashinyan’s provocative remarks included a personal attack where he stated, "Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?"

Historically at odds, Pashinyan's liberal government and the deeply conservative Church had managed a tenuous coexistence, but this recent exchange threatens to exacerbate existing rifts within an already polarized Armenian society. The implications of this conflict extend beyond governance, as it could impede crucial peace negotiations with Azerbaijan following Armenia's 2020 war defeat.

Although Armenia established Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD and the constitution acknowledges the AAC as a national church, there is a legal separation of church and state. The Church has yet to formally respond to the allegations but accused Pashinyan of attempting to "silence its voice," highlighting the lack of governmental authority over church governance. Pashinyan's claims, if substantiated, could render Karekin II unfit for his role, given that the Church's by-laws stipulate that only celibate monks are eligible for the position of Catholicos.

Alongside these allegations, Pashinyan has also taken jabs at other senior clerics, including accusations against one archbishop of infidelity. This has prompted a backlash from opposition parties and former presidents, who have voiced support for the Church and condemned the prime minister's aggressive maneuvers.

The relationship between the government and the Church has soured since the 2020 conflict with Azerbaijan, during which Karekin II aligned himself with calls for Pashinyan's ousting. Recently, he advocated for the return of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, contradicting the government's approach in ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan. Such statements have fueled frustrations among Pashinyan's allies and raised questions about Armenia's readiness for peace.

Political analysts suggest that Pashinyan's recent offensive against Church leadership could be a preemptive strategy ahead of the June 2026 elections, possibly aimed at undermining a significant conservative opposition faction. Recognizing the influence of the Church among disillusioned citizens, the prime minister has consistently articulated a desire to "return the Church to the people."

Responses from influential figures have also added fuel to the controversy. Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan pledged to support the Church, which led to governmental retaliation, including a raid on his residence and subsequent charges of inciting insurrection, which he denied.

As the situation unfolds, the implications transcend Armenia's borders, impacting the Church's extensive global diaspora. While Karekin II has faced personal moral scrutiny, the Church maintains its significant popularity within Armenia. The ongoing clash between Pashinyan and the Church may further inflame divisions in a society already grappling with complex political, cultural, and ethnic tensions, including alliances with Russia and the West, and tensions with the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.