Protesters in Yerevan Call on Armenians to Unite Against Pashinyan’s Campaign Targeting the Armenian Apostolic Church

On June 5, Armenians gathered outside the main government building in Yerevan to defend the Armenian Apostolic Church and protest what they describe as a dangerous and disrespectful campaign led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan against the country’s spiritual and historical institution.

The demonstration, organized by a group of citizens angered by Pashinyan’s recent remarks targeting the Church and its high-ranking clergy—including His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians—was both a strong expression of support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and a clear rejection of the current government.

The protesters say that Pashinyan’s criticisms are not just political; they are personal attacks on the soul of the Armenian people. One demonstrator told reporters, “Nikol is a traitor. What kind of leader attacks his own church? This is not just betrayal of the clergy—it is betrayal of our history, our identity, and our faith.”

The rally’s organizer made a dramatic statement, referencing an allegorical figure called the "ambassador of death," sent to remind Armenians of the moral and spiritual consequences of the Prime Minister’s actions. “This ambassador,” she said, “presents Nikol’s sins: blasphemy, antichrist, robbery, betrayal, evil, deceit, defeat, and depravity.”

She went on to say that Pashinyan had “crossed the final red line,” and called on all Armenians to take to the streets to defend the Church. “We are calling on the Armenian Apostolic Church to lead this national struggle,” she urged. “Let there be a march, a prayer procession. Let the ancient traditions of our people return and cleanse the government of this evil.” Another added, “We have been struggling against Nikol’s regime for five years. If we don’t stand up now, when will we?”

Protesters also expressed concern that there are efforts underway to silence and suppress these demonstrations. Despite this, they say they remain determined to continue their resistance. “We are the guardians of our Church. This is the duty of every Armenian. If the Church falls, our nation will fall.”

The demonstration reflects a growing divide in Armenian society between the current administration and those who believe it is abandoning—or even attacking—the core institutions that have preserved Armenian identity for centuries.

The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions, has long played a central role in Armenian cultural and national life, particularly during times of hardship and war. For many, the Church is not just a religious symbol—it is a symbol of survival.

As tensions rise, protesters warn that this is not just another political disagreement. For them, it is a spiritual crisis and a national emergency. “Nikol must answer for his sins,” said one protester. “This is not the end of our Church. This is the end of Nikol.”

Whether this latest protest sparks a broader national movement remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: for a growing number of Armenians, defending the Church is now seen as defending the very soul of the nation.

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