I will not allow Catholicosate and Etchmiadzin treasures to be taken out of Armenia – Pashinyan

· February 16, 2026

Armenpress

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that he will not allow the Catholicosate of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church or the treasures of Etchmiadzin to be taken out of Armenia.

Speaking at a briefing with journalists, the Prime Minister said he believes the purpose of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishops’ Synod to be held in Austria is to remove the Catholicosate and the treasures of Etchmiadzin from the country.

According to Pashinyan, convening a meeting of bishops outside Armenia is part of a process aimed at strengthening what he described as a “puppet Catholicosate” in the hands of certain forces, to be used as a tool against Armenia.

“I will not allow this. Armenia is not going to remain an observer. The reaction will be very tough. We will redirect the attention of those who have their eyes on the treasures of Etchmiadzin, hidden under the mask of benefactors, in a completely different direction. If additional measures are needed, they will be taken,” the Prime Minister said.