Armenia's Political Turmoil: PM Accuses Church Leader of Scandalous Conduct

In a shocking development, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly accused the supreme leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, of fathering a child, which he claims warrants the Catholicos' resignation. The accusations signal a significant deterioration in relations between the government and the Church, further polarizing a nation already divided by political and ethnic tensions.

Armenia's already polarized political landscape has been thrown into further disarray as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly accused the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), Catholicos Karekin II, of breaking his vow of celibacy and fathering a child. Pashinyan's extraordinary allegations have shaken the foundations of the Armenian Church, which is viewed as deeply rooted and conservative within the nation.

At a recent engagement, Pashinyan made a pointed remark directed at a senior clergyman, "Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?" Such a statement reveals the escalating animosity between the government and the Church, challenging the previously established protocol of non-interference in religious affairs.

The Armenian Apostolic Church, recognized constitutionally as a national Church, has historically coexisted semi-independently from the Armenian state. However, the relationship soured following Armenia's defeat in the 2020 war with Azerbaijan, during which Karekin II aligned himself with voices calling for Pashinyan's resignation. Since then, the Church has become increasingly vocal against the government.

Pashinyan has called for Karekin's resignation, emphasizing that if the allegations are true, the Catholicos would not be fit for office. However, the Church has not yet addressed these claims and claims that Pashinyan seeks to stifle its influence. Critics have pointed out that Pashinyan has provided no proof backing his allegations but has hinted at the potential release of evidence.

Opposition leaders and former presidents have rallied in support of the Church amidst the political fallout. The growing rift over Church matters could distract from ongoing peace talks with Azerbaijan and reshape the power dynamics ahead of the elections scheduled for June 2026.

The Prime Minister's recent criticisms have drawn attention to the Church's role in the broader political landscape, indicating a potential shift in strategy to undermine a central pillar of conservative opposition. As Pashinyan emphasizes returning the Church to the people, political analysts suggest that the timing of this confrontation could be a tactical move to weaken conservative dissent while consolidating political power.

Complications have arisen further as prominent allies of the Church, including Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, have voiced support. Subsequently, Karapetyan faced government scrutiny and charges, potentially linking the Church’s visibility to greater political repression.

While rumors about the Catholicos having a secret family have circulated for years, this recent confrontation marks a betrayal of what had been an implicit agreement for the government to refrain from Church matters. Observers now fear that the PM's breach could exacerbate societal divisions, heightened by the ongoing disputes over alliances with Russia and the West, representing a critical flashpoint for Armenia’s future stability.