Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s approach toward the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), stating that they will follow the guidance and position of the Catholicos of All Armenians on the issue.

“What stance should I have toward such a disgrace? Isn’t it obvious that any discussion on the subject is entirely unacceptable? We will follow the Catholicos' guidance and position,” Sargsyan said, as reported by Pastinfo.

When asked by reporters why the matter has recently become a topic of discussion and whether it relates to statements made by Caucasus Muslim leader Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Sargsyan responded that he believes the reason is the Catholicos’ recent speech in Switzerland.

He further stated that the situation aligns entirely with the current government’s “New Armenia” concept—namely, replacing Armenian history with that of the Republic of Armenia and targeting the AAC.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently stated on Facebook that “concrete steps must be taken to liberate the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and organize new Catholicos elections.” He also said a Coordinating Group would be formed to manage these organizational matters and announced that he would personally select the first ten members of this group.