Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See, has confirmed he met with officials from Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS), but stressed the meetings were by invitation, not legal summons.

“I wasn’t summoned. No official notices were issued. There were only invitations, and we met. They shared their views, and I expressed mine,” he told RFE/RL.

He did not specify when the meetings took place but noted that two such encounters occurred.

Rumors of NSS involvement had surfaced in spring 2024.

“There were hints at taking certain actions,” he added, “but it became absolutely clear that I am not the kind of person who can be pushed into actions that go against my beliefs through threats or intimidation.”

Khachatryan also addressed the scandal surrounding videos circulated online that allegedly show him. He again labeled the footage fake and said the aim was to incite hatred against him.

“There is nothing in my life I’m ashamed of,” he said, emphasizing that both he and his family have faced distress because of the accusations.

He added that the Investigative Committee has confirmed he does not recognize the person in the video, yet officials have claimed the individual shown is him. “I told the Investigative Committee that if they open a case, it shouldn’t be on the grounds of privacy violation, but rather for inciting hatred and hostility against me. My privacy hasn’t been violated. Clearly, it’s not me. My entire family is facing this humiliating ordeal, courtesy of an administration that claims to promote unity,” he stated.

Khachatryan affirmed that he stands by this position.

A group of Armenian Church bishops has accused Catholicos Karekin II of covering up alleged misconduct by Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, based on circulated videos. They also accused Karekin II of violating his oath. Prime Minister Pashinyan met with the dissident clergy and endorsed their position. On November 29, the bishops issued another statement demanding the Catholicos step down.