Armenian opposition condemns government’s rhetoric against church

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenia faction has issued a statement condemning the current administration and its leader for what it describes as reprehensible rhetoric and behavior targeting the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, its Catholicos, and bishops.

The statement emphasizes the Church's unique role in the life of the Armenian people, as enshrined in the Constitution, and urges citizens to support it.

“We condemn the disgraceful rhetoric and conduct of the current regime and its leader aimed at the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, its Catholicos, and the episcopate. We see this as an affront to the dignity of the Armenian people and a blow to their unity and value system.

At this critical juncture for our nation, the unity and resolve of national forces are more vital than ever.

Let us, with the sacred unity of our faithful people, continue to stand by the Armenian Church — for the strengthening of Armenian statehood and the protection of our collective rights and interests,” the statement reads.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reacting to criticism from clergy following his comparison of churches to “storerooms” during a government session, has made disparaging remarks against the clergy. He posted several comments of this nature on Facebook, echoed by his wife, Anna Hakobyan, calling clergy “the country's top pedophiles.”

Pashinyan also stated that the state must play a central role in the selection of the Catholicos of All Armenians.