Catholicos Ready to Lead the Church from Prison

Tensions in Armenia's political and spiritual life are entering a new phase. In recent days, statements from the highest echelons of power, including the Vice President of the National Assembly, have been quite direct: Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II must vacate the Echmiadzin and step down. This is reported by the newspaper "Zhoghovurd."

Reaction and Internal Position from the Echmiadzin
The Catholicos has not made any direct statements; however, in his recent speech welcoming the participants of a pilgrimage, he spoke about "political persecution" without naming any specific individuals. This statement was interpreted by many as a reference to the authorities.

According to the newspaper, within the Echmiadzin, the Catholicos has declared that he is ready to withstand any pressure, even in the case of being detained by law enforcement. He emphasized that he would not resign from the position of Catholicos, even if he has to lead the church from prison. This demonstrates institutional resistance and will.

Especially notable is the statement made by the Catholicos of Cilicia, Aram I, in support of the Catholicos, asserting that there must be a change of power in Armenia.

The Line of Criminal Cases and Internal Crisis
It is known to the public that a criminal case has been initiated based on a recording involving Bishop Nathan. According to open sources, Bishop Nathan has already been summoned for questioning by investigative authorities. Information leaked to the newspaper from law enforcement suggests that the investigation may also include searches at the Echmiadzin and the potential arrest of the Catholicos.

This is perceived in the public domain not only as a legal process but also as an attack on the credibility of the spiritual institution. Meanwhile, the priest Father Aram, who has been defrocked by the Catholicos and is reportedly planning to hold a mass at Hovhannavank with the participation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is likely to become the center of a new scandal. Legally, a defrocked priest cannot perform ceremonial rites; however, according to some sources, a mass gathering and a possible march towards Echmiadzin are anticipated around this event.

The tension between the Catholicos and the government has transformed into a deep crisis in the state-church relations. When the spiritual authority becomes an object of political struggle, the public balance is at risk.

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