Armenia’s PM Pashinyan faces escalating conflict with the Church over increasing tensions and disagreements.

A significant clash is unfolding between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the country’s leading Christian clergy, deepening divides within the predominantly religious South Caucasus nation of approximately three million inhabitants. The situation, which has captured considerable public attention, is reflecting broader societal tensions relating to faith and governance in Armenia.

In a post on Facebook, Pashinyan described the Armenian Apostolic Church’s headquarters in St. Echmiadzin as being “taken over by anti-Christian, immoral, antinational, and antistate elements,” signaling his intent to “liberate” the Church’s authority from what he termed a “criminal-oligarchic clergy.” This declaration has intensified an already tense dispute that escalated dramatically on June 27 when the bells of St. Echmiadzin rang to announce the detention of a prominent cleric linked to the alleged coup-inspired faction within the Church.

Analysts caution against viewing this clash as a direct conflict between secular authorities and the entire body of the Armenian Church. Richard Giragosian from the Regional Studies Center indicated that the confrontation is rooted more in a personal feud than in broad theological or institutional opposition. Nonetheless, many Armenians perceive the situation in stark terms, feeling that an attack on the Church equates to an attack on their national identity.

The Church has long served as a cornerstone of Armenian identity, especially during periods of foreign rule, and it continues to play a crucial role in uniting the community amidst modern challenges. For many, such an assault on the Church reverberates through their sense of statehood and cultural continuity.

The underlying tensions can be traced back to the 2020 conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with a significant ethnic Armenian population. This historical context has seen factions within Armenia, known as the “Karabakh clan,” accused of fostering corruption and cronyism during their long tenure in power. Since becoming Prime Minister in 2018, Pashinyan has positioned himself against these entrenched interests, enjoying widespread approval at the onset of his leadership.

However, the 2020 war’s outcome, which saw a loss of Armenian-held territories, has led to increased scrutiny of Pashinyan and his government’s handling of national security. Critics within the clergy have sought to place the blame squarely on Pashinyan, though observers argue that the failures stemmed from the decisions of past administrations.

As tensions escalate, with intelligence raids and arrests of Church figures, Pashinyan has faced widespread criticism for his approach. Supporters of the Church claim that the Prime Minister’s actions threaten Armenia’s national unity. Meanwhile, Armenia’s opposition appears fragmented at best, underscoring the complexities of the political landscape ahead of impending elections in 2026.

In a nuanced situation marked by personal rivalries and deep-rooted cultural significance, the ongoing struggle for power and identity in Armenia highlights the intricate balance between faith, politics, and national pride. How these dynamics evolve will be pivotal in shaping Armenia’s future political landscape and social cohesion.

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