The Armenian government’s five-year program presents reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church in its “Spiritual Security” section as a necessary condition for achieving a “values-based spiritual life.” The document states that the Church “reform” agenda should aim to bring it “into the canonical framework” and prevent the politicization of the Church, Factor.am reports.
The government plans to ensure the removal of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s “de facto head,” described in the program as “retirement.” According to the program, an election for Locum Tenens of the Catholicos should then be held under the established procedure.
The program also envisages adopting a charter for the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to the document, it should establish mechanisms to ensure adherence to principles, financial transparency and integrity among clergy.
The document also provides for holding an election of the Catholicos of All Armenians under the established procedure. The government plans to include clergy in the state system of social guarantees and ensure transparency in Church financing.
The program also links the need for Church reform to ensuring “spiritual security” and preventing attempts by external forces to turn the Armenian Apostolic Church into a “stronghold for hybrid warfare.”
For more than a year, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly spoken about his intention to remove Karekin II, while making a number of accusations against him. The Mother See, for its part, has characterized the actions of the prime minister and authorities as interference in the Church’s internal affairs.
Karekin II is also a defendant in a criminal case.
