Responding to a journalist’s question in parliament, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan rejected claims that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) had encouraged military chaplains to join the Armenian Apostolic Church's "reform agenda" promoted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“That is false. There is no such thing,” Papikyan said, as reported by Aysor.am .

His comments came in response to a statement by Ter Zareh Ashuryan, a priest who alleged that the Defense Ministry was offering clergy military ranks (e.g., major) and salaries of up to 700,000 drams to those who align with the reform effort, actions he described as betrayal.

“I can’t comment on the salary amount, but the minister’s order clearly states that, yes, we can contract clergy with Armenian Apostolic Church education to serve and carry out their mission. If someone considers service in the Armed Forces an act of denial, that’s their personal view,” Papikyan said. “The salary mentioned is exaggerated, but there will be a decent salary, higher than what they previously received.”

He emphasized that rumors suggesting the suspension of military chaplaincy are unfounded. Chaplaincy will continue, but those serving must be subordinated to the Armed Forces' Department of Moral and Psychological Support.

“There can be no dual subordination within the military,” he stated.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, along with bishops and archbishops calling for the resignation of the Catholicos, recently issued a statement urging support for reform in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pashinyan read the statement live on Facebook, after which it was signed by participating clergy. He also announced the formation of a coordinating council to oversee church reforms, which can only be expanded by unanimous decision.