Armenian Church Rejects Pashinyan's Criticism: A Growing Political and Religious Conflict

Armenia: Etchmiadzin Rejects Pashinyan's Accusations in Church-State Dispute Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has issued a strong rebuttal to recent criticisms leveled by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The church's statement, released earlier this week, characterized the Prime Minister's actions as a politically motivated campaign aimed at undermining the church's authority. The statement emphasized that internal church matters are governed by canonical law, not political interference. "The ongoing attacks on the church are a blatant attempt to erode its influence and are completely unacceptable," stated a spokesperson for Etchmiadzin, echoing sentiments expressed in the official statement. The video highlights several social media posts by Pashinyan, which appear to be critical of the church's stance on various issues. The dispute highlights the complex relationship between church and state in Armenia and has sparked considerable debate on social media. The church's response underscores its determination to maintain its independence and its role in Armenian society. The situation remains tense, with observers closely monitoring the developments and their potential impact on the political landscape.