On June 1, former Member of Parliament Gnel Sargsyan visited the Marmashen Monastery, where he confronted the resident priest, Father Paren, over recent statements restricting access to the church. Father Paren had previously declared that individuals targeting the Armenian Apostolic Church or supporting such actions would be denied entry to the monastery.

During the encounter, Sargsyan demanded cadastral documents from the priest and used profane language, escalating the situation. He questioned whether his mother, a supporter of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, would also be denied entry, implying that such actions were unjust.

Father Paren reiterated his stance, emphasizing that those exhibiting anti-Christian or anti-church behavior would be barred from the premises. The confrontation intensified when Sargsyan challenged the priest to show evidence of Pashinyan's alleged derogatory remarks about the church. When presented with recordings, Sargsyan continued to dispute the claims and further agitated the situation.

Sargsyan asserted his personal connection to the church, stating, "I am the defender of the Apostolic Church; the church belongs to me." Father Paren responded by affirming his authority over the monastery as the ordained clergyman.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions between government supporters and the Armenian Apostolic Church, particularly following Prime Minister Pashinyan's controversial comments likening churches to storage rooms and advocating for state involvement in the selection of the Catholicos.