Karekin II dismisses pro-Pashinyan cleric ‘after 10 years of requests’

Catholicos Karekin II has removed Archbishop Abraham Mkrtchyan from his position as head of the Vayots Dzor Diocese, following a decade of repeated requests. The decision, announced by the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, came after Mkrtchyan had consistently sought his dismissal for the past ten years. This action follows a period of escalating tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Church, particularly amidst ongoing reforms within the Armenian Church.

Mkrtchyan, alongside ten other senior priests, had previously urged Karekin II to resign in November 2025, and signed Prime Minister Pashinyan’s church reform agenda in January. This agenda included a roadmap for reform, advocating for the removal of Karekin II and the establishment of a ‘Coordinating Council’ comprised of the signatories. The reforms aim to address perceived structural issues within the Church, aiming to prevent future crises.

Mkrtchyan stated that the dismissal was based on his written and verbal requests, and he had no reason to refuse. He intends to continue his involvement in Pashinyan’s reform agenda, focusing on literary and publishing activities in his hometown of Vayots Dzor. He previously denied ownership of businesses linked to hydroelectric plants in the region.

The situation has been complicated by ongoing disputes between Pashinyan and the Church, with earlier accusations of the Church leading a “war party” and calls for an end to the “repression of clergy.” Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who had previously advocated for Karekin II’s resignation, signed a statement urging authorities to cease this “repression.” The requests from Mkrtchyan, spanning over a decade, highlight the internal struggles within the Armenian Apostolic Church as it navigates these reforms under Prime Minister Pashinyan’s leadership.

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