Armenian media reports that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has identified two potential candidates to replace the current Catholicos of All Armenians. The Zhoghovurd newspaper, citing its own sources, lists Archbishop Terteryan, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the United States, and Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, as the main contenders. The newspaper suggests that the government expects loyalty from the future Catholicos, especially given the changing political situation.

Previously, Pashinyan initiated a plan to remove Catholicos Garegin II from office. He also claimed that the Catholicos was planning a military coup in the country. In early July, the head of state publicly appealed to the clergy, demanding that Garegin II be removed from office. The prime minister accused him and the Armenian clergy of working for Russia.