Pashinyan: Catholicos must go, his presence harms church

Panarmenian

At a press briefing following a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that a process is already underway for the removal of Catholicos Karekin II, and that his presence in the Mother See is causing significant harm to the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Asked whether the campaign against the Church undermines its authority and offends believers, and whether critics have attempted dialogue with senior clergy, Pashinyan responded that he is a public figure and backdoor methods are incompatible with his approach.

“What damages the Armenian Apostolic Church more than anything else is the Catholicos being in the Mother See,” he said, according to Pastinfo.

“There have been cases of monastic vows being broken. You’re aware of them because there were public discussions, consequences, and resignations,” Pashinyan continued.

“This is not about demands for resignation. A process has started, and he must go,” the Prime Minister asserted.

He dismissed concerns about controversy: “I believe the public uproar is a healthy one. Democracies should not fear open discussion.”

Pashinyan noted he has had many opportunities to meet with the Catholicos and came away with the impression that Karekin II’s leadership is severely damaging the Church.