“Can Clergymen Have Sex or Not?” Alen Simonyan Sparks Church Scandal Debate

Armenia’s National Assembly President, Alen Simonyan, sparked controversy today by asking bluntly, “Can clergymen have sex or not? That problem has always existed,” during a press briefing. He insisted that the Armenian Church, which holds a special constitutional status, must be accountable to the public. Simonyan also voiced concern over ongoing scandals within the Church, including allegations that the current Catholicos — the spiritual leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church — has a child despite having taken a vow of celibacy.

“These problems didn’t begin yesterday,” Simonyan said. “Since 2018, the authorities have avoided addressing them. But it’s time for change. Armenia and the Armenian people deserve a new Catholicos — someone who meets clear standards.”

Simonyan made it clear that the selection of the next Catholicos is not something the ruling Civil Contract party will control. “The clergy will choose from among themselves. The Catholicos will not be elected in the Civil Contract party office,” he said. “The criteria for this role are already written in the Church’s own regulations.”

He denied targeting the Church itself, insisting that his statements are not attacks but a necessary call for accountability. “They made you believe the Church is their property — that they can do whatever they want inside it. That’s the problem,” he said.

One of the key points Simonyan raised was the behavior and financial practices within the Church. “It’s unpleasant for any believer to walk into a church and be asked for money,” he said. “They come to you asking for 50,000 for the choir, for the deacon. Is this a place of worship or a fundraising center?”

The public debate grew louder following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent decision to form a coordinating group that will help organize new elections for the Catholicos. Pashinyan’s alleged goal is to ensure that the process is transparent and free from political interference. 

Simonyan also pushed back against the idea that discussing a clergyman’s personal life is off-limits. “If someone takes a vow of celibacy and their life contradicts that, it becomes a matter of public concern,” he said. “We’re not talking about ordinary citizens or journalists here. This is about an institution built on faith and respect.”

He insisted that the goal is not control — it’s renewal. “This isn’t about politics,” he said. “It’s about restoring the trust between the Church and the people.”

Many have accused the government of trying to interfere in religious matters, which violates the Armenian Constitution that clearly separates the church from the state. People in Armenia feel that Pashinyan’s government is purposely raising a scandal against the nation’s most sacred institution in order to distract the public from future concessional policies. 

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