Tue Jul 08 10:09:48 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, is engaged in a deepening conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church, particularly its head, Catholicos Karekin II. Pashinyan has accused Karekin of corruption, plotting a coup, and even fathering a child, launching what the Church decries as an “anti-clerical campaign.” The conflict is rooted in Armenia’s defeat in the 2020 war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, for which Karekin blames Pashinyan. Pashinyan has arrested clergy and others accused of plotting a coup, which analysts see as a move to preempt Russian interference ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. Despite low approval ratings, Pashinyan’s party may still win due to the weakness and distrust of the opposition.
**News Article:**
**Armenian Church Decries ‘Anti-Clerical Campaign’ as PM Accuses Leader of Coup Plot, Celibacy Breach**
**Yerevan, Armenia** – A heated confrontation between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church is escalating, threatening to further polarize the nation. The Church accuses Pashinyan of launching an “anti-clerical campaign,” following accusations against its head, Catholicos Karekin II, including allegations of plotting a coup and fathering a child.
The dispute centers on the aftermath of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, in which Armenia suffered a devastating defeat. Karekin has blamed Pashinyan for the loss, a claim the Prime Minister has fiercely refuted. Pashinyan has gone further, publicly accusing Karekin of corruption, violating his vow of celibacy, and being involved in a coup attempt planned for Armenia’s Independence Day.
Recent weeks have seen a series of dramatic events, including the arrest of several high-ranking clergy and figures linked to the “Karabakh clan” – the political elite ousted by Pashinyan in 2018. The arrests have been met with resistance, including an incident where church bells rang tocsin, traditionally a sign of national emergency, to rally support.
The Church has condemned Pashinyan’s actions, accusing him of undermining national unity and stability. Karekin has remained defiant, denying the allegations and asserting the Church’s historic role in preserving Armenian identity.
Analysts suggest the arrests are a pre-emptive move by Pashinyan to safeguard against potential Russian interference in the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections. Despite low approval ratings, Pashinyan’s party remains a strong contender due to the unpopularity and fragmentation of the opposition.
The conflict is adding to the existing tensions in Armenia, still reeling from the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh and facing complex geopolitical challenges in the region. The future remains uncertain as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
First Piper 