Mother See Declares June 27 a Day of National Disgrace, Condemns Government for ‘Grave Insult’ to Holy Etchmiadzin

A dark day has fallen over Armenia’s spiritual life. On June 27, 2025, the government carried out an act that many are calling one of the most shameful and disturbing moments in the country’s modern history. The very heart of Armenia’s identity—the Armenian Apostolic Church—was violated by its own state.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the sacred spiritual center of Armenians around the world, was stormed by law enforcement. The goal? To detain and arrest Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan of the Shirak Diocese under what church officials call “fabricated grounds.” This act of aggression did not happen quietly. According to the Church, large numbers of armed forces surrounded the Mother See, blocking entrances and disrupting the normal activity of the religious site.

Even pilgrims and citizens trying to reach Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat were stopped. Security checkpoints were set up, deliberately slowing down or preventing people from visiting one of the holiest places in Armenia. For a nation that has stood firm in faith through centuries of war, genocide, and foreign rule, this was seen as a direct attack not only on the Church—but on the Armenian soul.

The declaration from the Mother See did not mince words. “We condemn these anti-Church actions and consider them a sign of deep disrespect toward the Armenian spiritual center—Holy Etchmiadzin—and a grave insult to the religious feelings of the faithful,” it read.

While the government claims to be following legal procedures, many Armenians view this as a continuation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ongoing campaign against the Church. The tone and behavior of his administration, both in public statements and behind the scenes, show a clear pattern of hostility toward one of the oldest national institutions in the country.

“It is unimaginable that local authorities would deliver such a blow to Armenia’s ancient national institution—the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. Even foreign rulers in the past have not acted in such a manner,” the Church stated.

Indeed, this is a disturbing moment in Armenia’s post-Soviet history. Throughout centuries, even when Armenia was under foreign empires—Persian, Ottoman, Russian—the Church remained protected as a cornerstone of national identity. But now, it faces aggression from within its own borders, from those elected to serve the people.

The Mother See has called on Armenians everywhere to stand up. In a country where the Church is more than just a place of worship—it is a symbol of survival, resistance, and unity—this violation cuts deep. The clergy has promised to stand with the Archbishop in court and defend the Church using all legal means.

At a time when Armenia is facing external threats and internal instability, the government’s actions risk deepening divides in society and weakening national unity. The Church is not a political opponent—it is a spiritual backbone that has held the Armenian people together for centuries.

Instead of working with the Church to promote peace, unity, and strength, the government has chosen confrontation. And in doing so, it has crossed a line many believe should never have been touched.

The Armenian Report continues to remain on the ground. This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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