Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan posted a new statement on his Facebook page, claiming that “the house of Christ has been seized by an immoral, anti-national clique and must be liberated,” adding that he will personally “lead that liberation.”

“Beyond all debates, what has become clear during this period is the complete absence of any connection between Ktrich Nersisyan, Vazgen Galstanyan, Gevorg Ajapahyan, and others with Jesus Christ and his teachings,” he wrote.

He added: “The house of Jesus Christ, the site of the Only Begotten’s descent, has been seized by an anti-Christian, immoral, anti-national, and anti-state group, and it must be freed. I will lead that liberation.”

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin earlier issued a statement urging Armenian authorities to immediately release the detained clergy, a national benefactor, and associated citizens, and to act strictly within the law.

Pashinyan had previously announced that decisive steps are needed to “liberate the Catholicosate and organize new Catholicos elections.” He also noted that a Coordinating Group would be formed to manage the organizational aspects of this agenda, and that he would personally select its first ten members.