Pashinyan Has a Plan to Overthrow the Catholicos: 'Zhoghovurd'

Nikol Pashinyan has finalized his scenario to overthrow the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II. Previously, he announced from the National Assembly podium that he planned to go to Etchmiadzin with those who have read the Bible, to hold a 'spiritual gathering' through the formation of a council. However, that idea has now transformed into a concrete plan, reports the newspaper 'Zhoghovurd'.

'The authorities are preparing to use the words of Father Aram Asatryan, who has expressed dissatisfaction about being pressured within the church and being forced to participate in opposition rallies. According to Pashinyan's plan, based on those statements, he will attempt to frame his actions as a 'defense of the rights of clergy' and will elevate the thesis that the Catholicos is pressuring his subordinates, and the state should protect the church from the Catholicos.'

In this scenario, it would be a real 'gift' for Pashinyan if Karekin II decides to reprimand or dismiss Father Aram. This would be seen as another punitive action, and the government would seize the moment, attacking the Holy See under the guise of a 'spiritual gathering,' 'spiritual conversation,' and so on.

According to the newspaper's information, this scenario is viewed within the government as a significant political move that should be implemented after the election of the ruling party's board but before national elections.

It is now evident that Pashinyan's goal is not the peaceful coexistence of the church and state, but rather a new staging to knock on the doors of Etchmiadzin 'on behalf of the people' and to overthrow the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians.

The ruling party intends to appoint Father Aram as the Catholicos’s interim successor since he is not a party member and is a married priest, after which new elections for the Supreme Patriarch will be organized, writes the newspaper.