Catholicos of All Armenians Will Not Be Arrested, Will Step Down – Archbishop Vazgen

The Catholicos of All Armenians will not be arrested and will step down, believes Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan. The leader of the Baltic countries' diocese, who shook hands with Prime Minister Pashinyan and has been accused by some of being a protector of blasphemy, made these statements in an interview with ‘Azatutyun’.

“The only way to resolve this entire situation is a meeting between the Catholicos and the Prime Minister to discuss the conditions for the Catholicos' call for rest and various issues,” said Archbishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan during the interview. The Prime Minister himself has expressed readiness to meet with the bishops.

Currently, there are no signs that the Catholicos and the Prime Minister will sit down at the same table. Last week, the Catholicos declared that he would continue his mission with the same dedication.

“Why do they see something bad in this call for rest?” Archbishop Vazgen asked. He cites the examples of Catholicos St. Luzor and St. Oznetsu, who had previously stepped down from the throne.

In his impression, it is already late for the Prime Minister and the Catholicos to gather to discuss anything other than leaving the throne. According to the archbishop, such an opportunity existed in the summer.

He does not doubt that the Catholicos' mood is influenced by certain forces, which he claims continue to obstruct the process today. According to the archbishop, the Armenian opposition and Russia are involved. He noted that Prime Minister Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that the Catholicos and his brothe's interests are aligned with those of other countries. However, no facts have been published to substantiate these claims so far.

When asked if any evidence has been presented, the leader of the Baltic countries' diocese replied, “Should I remain silent here... I can say that yes. It is related to the brother.”