Armenia's Political Landscape Erupts as PM Accuses Church Leader of Breach of Celibacy

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's bold allegations against Catholicos Karekin II, accusing him of fathering a child, have sparked outrage and controversy, highlighting an ongoing rift between Armenia's government and its influential Apostolic Church. Amidst a context of political instability and pending elections, the church remains a powerful voice of dissent, complicating Armenia's path toward peace negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s political climate has become increasingly charged, as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has leveled unprecedented charges against the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), Catholicos Karekin II. Pashinyan accused the clergyman of fathering a child, a claim that could jeopardize Karekin’s position and further divide an already polarized nation. "Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?" Pashinyan remarked, signaling a departure from his earlier vow to maintain a separation between church and state affairs.

Historically, the Church and government co-existed despite their ideological differences. However, the latest accusation has intensified the rift, potentially influencing the outcome of Armenia's upcoming elections. The Church has yet to respond formally but has stated that the government should not interfere in its internal matters.

If the allegations hold any truth, they would render Karekin unfit for office, given that the Church's bylaws require its Catholicos to be celibate. Critics have noted that Pashinyan's claims come without evidence, though he has threatened to disclose more information. The Prime Minister has also leveled accusations against other clergy, further deepening tensions within the institution.

Opposition parties, including former presidents Levon Ter-Petrossian and Serzh Sargsyan, are rallying behind the Church, which has taken on an increasingly anti-government stance following Pashinyan's controversial tenure, especially after the 2020 defeat in the war with Azerbaijan.

Karekin II's recent calls, demanding the right of return for Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh, clash with Pashinyan’s push for a swift peace deal. This opposition is perceived as a hindrance to the government’s negotiating strategy. The Prime Minister's supporters are reportedly frustrated by the Church’s public interventions in political affairs.

Political analysts note that Pashinyan's sudden offensive against the Church may be strategic, aimed at undermining conservative opposition ahead of the scheduled elections in June 2026. Notably, when a Russian-Armenian billionaire offered political support to the Church, the government reacted swiftly, raiding his residence and charging him with inciting a coup, reinforcing the view of a government under siege.

The impasse between Pashinyan and the Church is not merely a domestic affair; the Armenian Apostolic Church has a significant diaspora presence, comprising communities in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Rumors and accusations surrounding Karekin's leadership have circulated for years, creating a complex backdrop.

Until now, Pashinyan had predicated his leadership on respecting the Church's autonomy. However, the recent hostile allegations signal a possible shift, one that is likely to exacerbate societal fractures amidst political chaos, loyalties to Russia versus the West, and ongoing ethnic tensions linked to Nagorno-Karabakh. Whatever the resolution, the ramifications of Pashinyan’s confrontation with the Church are set to resonate throughout Armenia and beyond.