Media: Pashinyan Initiates Plan to Remove Catholicos, Previously Accused of Working for Russia

According to the Armenian newspaper Zhoghovurd, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has initiated a plan to remove Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The newspaper's sources claim that a group of priests supporting Pashinyan has been formed to implement this plan. Their task, reportedly, is to criticize the Catholicos's entourage during internal discussions, accusing him of causing the ecclesiastical conflict. The goal is to provoke internal discord that will lead to Karekin II's resignation.

According to sources, pressure is expected to increase, and the desired result is expected to be achieved soon. The newspaper reports that this group is headed by Aram Asatryan, a priest from Hovhannavank Monastery, previously defrocked by Karekin II. The publication claims that Asatryan has the support of the authorities and, after the Catholicos's removal, will return to the church, and the decision to depose him will be reversed.

Previously, Nikol Pashinyan stated 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.

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