Armenian Apostolic Church Leaders Condemn Pashinyan’s Use of Clergy for Political Photo Ops

Pashinyan’s administration has been accused of exploiting the Armenian Apostolic Church for political gain, using clergy as stage props in public appearances and social media posts. Critics argue that the government’s actions contradict its supposed alignment with the Church, as it simultaneously persecutes religious leaders and seeks to co-opt their authority for political purposes.

The Armenian Weekly reports that each new arrest of a spiritual leader or seizure of ecclesiastical property has coincided with Pashinyan’s efforts to portray himself as supported by the Church. This perceived hypocrisy has drawn comparisons to Christ’s warning about “whited sepulchres,” which are beautiful on the outside but full of corruption within (Matthew 23:27). The contrast between the government’s treatment of the Church and its public image has sparked outrage among Armenian Christians.

Armenian Church leaders are urged to resist what is described as a dangerous entanglement between spiritual and political authority. The call for unity among clergy and laity emphasizes the need to protect the Church’s spiritual sovereignty and its legacy of Apostolic succession. This stance reflects a broader concern over the erosion of religious freedom and the increasing influence of secular power over sacred institutions.

The article highlights the courage of Church leaders who have faced persecution, prosecution, and imprisonment under Pashinyan’s rule. These individuals are portrayed as exemplars of fidelity to Christ, having sacrificed their freedom for their commitment to the faith. Their resilience is framed as a continuation of a long tradition of defending the Church during times of crisis.

Paul’s warning to the Galatians is cited as a guiding principle: “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) This passage is used to underscore the importance of prioritizing spiritual duty over political allegiance.

The article calls for a clear moral boundary, urging Armenian faithful to reject any collaboration that compromises the Church’s independence. It warns against participating in what is described as “staged productions” that normalize the desecration of sacred values. Such actions, it argues, risk undermining the very faith that has sustained the Armenian people through centuries of adversity.

The text concludes with a rhetorical question that underscores the stakes of the situation: “If we do not respect ourselves — our Church, our sacred faith?” This question serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for unwavering commitment to spiritual integrity in the face of political pressure.

Source: Read the original report