Armenia's Church-State Conflict Under Pashinyan
Regis discussed the current situation in Armenia, highlighting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's alignment with Western intelligence services and his crackdown on opposition. Thousands of people marched in support of Samvel Karapetyan, a wealthy businessman and church supporter arrested for defending the Armenian Apostolic Church, which Pashinyan has been attacking. Archbishop Mikhail Ajapanyan was targeted for arrest, but as of the discussion, he was in conversation with the Investigative Committee. Regis suggested that Pashinyan's actions against the church and the country's sovereignty indicate a growing disconnect with Armenian values and independence.
Armenian Archbishop's Security Standoff
Natalya explained that recent events involving the Armenian Apostolic Church and Archbishop Michael Ajapanyan have led to a significant public response, with thousands of people mobilizing to protect him from potential arrest. She described how security forces attempted to apprehend the Archbishop at his residence in Gyumri but faced an unexpected backlash as people self-organized to prevent his arrest. Despite efforts to block roads and surround the cathedral in Vagharshapat, the police eventually relented, and the Archbishop, accompanied by a large crowd, walked to Yerevan, where he was taken to the National Investigative Commission.
Armenian Parliament Impeachment Petition
Natalya reported that the opposition in the Armenian Parliament has united to sign a petition for Prime Minister Pashinyan's impeachment, currently having 36 votes, which is enough to bring the issue to the agenda but requires 54 votes to succeed. She noted that two opposition factions have 34 votes and are hoping to secure the remaining votes from Pashinyan's party, suggesting that some members of his party might support the impeachment. Regis clarified that Natalya is a member of an opposition party not represented in Parliament, and they discussed Pashinyan's term in office, which began in 2018 and is set to end in 2026, with the next elections scheduled for 2026.
NATO's South Caucasus Strategy
Natalya discussed NATO's involvement in the South Caucasus through Turkey, aiming to gain control over the region and push Russia out. She explained that Turkey's precondition for opening its border with Armenia includes limiting the authority of the Armenian Church. Regis asked about Russia's influence in Armenia, noting its current preoccupations, but Natalya maintained that Russia still has influence, particularly due to its military base in Gyumri and the ongoing threat from Turkey.
Armenian Church's Role in Society
Regis and Natalya discussed the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenian society. Natalya explained that while official statistics may not accurately reflect true religious beliefs, most Armenians respect the church as a symbol of their national identity, even if they are not strictly religious. They also touched on the similar situation in Russia, where people value the Russian Orthodox Church for its cultural and historical significance, despite varying personal beliefs.
Armenia's Political Church-State Dynamics
Regis and Natalya discussed the potential political impact of recent events in Armenia, with Natalya noting a significant public reaction that could lead to further opposition against Prime Minister Pashinyan. They agreed that while Pashinyan might attempt to manipulate public opinion through upcoming elections, the Armenian Apostolic Church would likely play a significant role in opposing his actions, given its strong influence and recent experiences with religious persecution in Ukraine.
Share this post