In Armenia, known as the world’s oldest Christian nation, the relationship between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church (AAHC) is experiencing significant tension. A report from the law firm Amsterdam & Partners suggests that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is actively attempting to diminish the Church’s influence as the 2026 parliamentary elections draw near.
The report accuses the Prime Minister of using authoritarian tactics, including the arrest of senior clergy and Church supporters on charges perceived as politically motivated. Among those affected are Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan and businessman Samvel Karapetyan. Ajapahyan is serving a two-year sentence for criticizing government policies, while Karapetyan, a significant benefactor of the Church, has faced legal action following his public support for the Church.
Karapetyan, notably linked to Armenia’s electricity sector, has been detained since summer and has had his assets confiscated. His troubles began after he publicly defended the Church on June 17, the report states.
Despite challenges, the Armenian Apostolic Church remains deeply embedded in national life, enjoying affiliation from 97.5% of the population. However, Prime Minister Pashinyan’s popularity appears to be waning.
This situation has not gone unnoticed internationally. Lord Jackson of Peterborough, vice chair of the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Religious Freedom, commented, “The idea of committed Christians in the world’s oldest Christian country, and in civilised and modern Europe, thrown into jail for defending their faith is frightening.” He emphasized the right of Christian communities to worship peacefully without fear of intimidation or imprisonment.
Established in 301 AD, the Armenian Apostolic Church is a pivotal element of Armenia’s identity, with nearly 60% of the country’s three million citizens placing their trust in it. Tensions have escalated following Armenia’s defeat in the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which displaced over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The Church has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s handling of the situation, accusing Pashinyan of failing to protect Armenian Christians.
The report claims, “Having failed to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s Prime Minister since 2018, is persecuting those who criticise his leadership and rule….” Further, it alleges efforts by Pashinyan to displace His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, through aggressive online campaigns.
Alison Meuse, a regional analyst, has noted that the Church is facing a threat comparable to the Soviet era purges, warning of historical patterns repeating.
Calls for Armenia to halt what Christian groups term the “persecution” of the Church have intensified. In July 2025, Christian Solidarity International (CSI), Coptic Solidarity, and SOS Chrétiens d’Orient urged for the release of detained clergy and cessation of government interference.
The organizations have highlighted an “intensifying campaign” against the Church, characterized by arrests, asset seizures, and raids on sacred sites like the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Concerns are rising that as the 2026 elections approach, these tensions could exacerbate societal divides. CSI has suggested that the government may be attempting to place the Church under state control by replacing its head with a state-appointed committee.
Prime Minister Pashinyan has refuted claims of targeting the Church, asserting that his government seeks to “rescue it from anti-Christian” elements.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has expressed “deep concern” over the reported actions against the Church, condemning the use of force in sacred areas and the detention of clergy. WCC General Secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay emphasized the Church’s crucial role in Armenian life and called for the protection of religious leaders’ rights.
The WCC has urged Armenian authorities to avoid rhetoric that could worsen tensions, uphold religious freedom and fairness, and encourage dialogue between the state and Church.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
