Armenian Government Report Calls for Removal of Catholicos Garegin II Over Alleged Church Crisis

The Armenian Apostolic Church faces growing scrutiny as a special report commissioned by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan highlights internal crises. The 74-page document, prepared by the Public Relations and Information Centre, cites violations of celibacy vows, improper conduct, politicisation of the Holy Altar, foreign influence, and persecution of clergy as key issues. The report, published at the government’s request, outlines both findings and proposed reforms, urging the Church to address these matters internally while the state respects its canonical autonomy.

The Church’s senior leadership has responded by condemning the report, urging the government to cease interference and uphold the Church’s historical sovereignty. They argue that the state has no authority to meddle in internal affairs unless a legal violation is involved. Human rights experts have also raised concerns, with Anna Melikyan warning that the government’s involvement risks violating religious freedom and privacy rights. Izabella Sargsyan likened the report to a “tabloid publication,” highlighting its potential to harm the Church’s reputation.

Prime Minister Pashinyan acknowledged the report’s findings in a public statement, asserting that the Church has been “captured” by Catholicos Garegin II and his supporters. He expressed concern over the complexity and severity of the situation, hinting at the possibility of an investigative commission in the National Assembly to propose legislative reforms. The report’s authors, however, stress that reform should originate from within the Church, with the participation of clergy and lay members.

The report details 16 points of alleged misconduct, including failures to investigate cases of child sexual abuse and other violations of conduct. These issues, according to the authors, have been ignored by senior leadership, exacerbating the Church’s internal crisis. The document also criticises the politicisation of the Holy Altar and the influence of foreign entities, particularly Russia, within the Church’s affairs. These claims underscore a deepening divide between the Church’s leadership and its broader community.

Catholicos Garegin II and six bishops now face legal charges of obstructing a court ruling, marking a significant escalation in the crisis. The case highlights the tension between the Church’s canonical independence and the state’s role in addressing alleged misconduct. As the situation unfolds, the Church’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its spiritual authority will be closely watched.

The crisis reflects broader tensions between religious institutions and state oversight, raising questions about the balance between autonomy and accountability. The Armenian Apostolic Church, a cornerstone of Armenian identity, now finds itself at a crossroads, with its leadership and followers grappling with the implications of the report and its potential consequences. The path forward will depend on how the Church and government reconcile these competing priorities.

Source: Read the original report