Tensions between Armenia’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church have reached new heights, after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly accused the Church’s spiritual leader, Catholicos Karekin II, of breaking his vow
of celibacy and fathering a child.
The Prime Minister presented no evidence for the claims, but called for Catholicos Karekin’s resignation.
"Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?" said Pashinyan.
The Church is yet to address the allegations, but a statement said the prime minister had attempted "to silence its voice".
The accusations are the latest rift in a longstanding divide between Armenia’s liberal government, and the conservative Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Church has played a central role in Armenian culture and identity since the nation became the first in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD.
The relationship between the government and the Church soured after Armenia’s defeat in the 2020 war with Azerbaijan, when Karekin II joined calls for Pashinyan to resign.
Armenia’s opposition parties, and two former presidents, have rallied behind the Church.
Some analysts suggest that the prime minister’s attacks on Church leaders may be a pre-emptive move ahead of Armenia’s 2026 general election.
In recent years, the Catholicos has advocated for the right of return for Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh – which is at odds with the government’s position.
The Church and state are separate under Armenian law, but the constitution recognises the Church as a national institution.