Russia Slams Armenian Government Over Church Crackdown; Yerevan Fires Back

Armenia and Russia are back at it again after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke out against actions taken by the Armenian government against the Armenian Apostolic Church. Lavrov made his comments during a press conference in Kyrgyzstan following a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a security alliance that includes both Russia and Armenia.

Lavrov called the events inside Armenia “an internal affair,” but expressed serious concern about what he described as attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church. He said the church has always been a key pillar of Armenian society and warned against unjustified attacks on it. Lavrov also noted that there is a strong movement within Armenian society supporting the church and its traditions.

In response, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan rejected Russia’s criticism as inaccurate and a form of interference in Armenia’s internal affairs. Mirzoyan explained that the government is not fighting the Armenian Apostolic Church as a whole, but is dealing with a small group of clergymen involved in illegal political activities. According to Armenian law enforcement, these individuals were participating in the preparation or attempt of a coup.

Mirzoyan said, “No fight is waged in Armenia against the [Armenian Apostolic] church.” He emphasized that this is a legal process handled within Armenia’s justice system and should not be viewed as an attack on the church itself. Mirzoyan called on Lavrov, Russian lawmakers, and the media to respect Armenia’s sovereignty and to avoid interfering in the country’s internal matters.

The controversy began last month when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan started a campaign against the church’s top clergy. On June 25, Armenian authorities arrested two archbishops, including Bagrat Galstanyan, accusing them of plotting to topple the government through “terrorist acts.” Shortly after, police attempted to arrest another archbishop, Mikael Ajapahyan, at the church’s main headquarters in Echmiadzin. The arrest attempt was met with strong resistance from priests and laypeople, forcing the police to withdraw. Ajapahyan later surrendered and was charged with calling for a regime change.

The government’s actions have caused uproar inside Armenia and have been condemned by opposition groups and many public figures. The arrested clergymen have described their cases as politically motivated.

The tensions between Armenia and Russia come at a delicate time. Earlier this year, relations between the two countries had shown signs of improvement, highlighted by Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan in May. However, the recent arrests and Lavrov’s public criticism have strained ties again.

Lavrov also reminded that Armenia remains a full member of the CSTO, but as a member, Armenia must fulfill all its obligations, including paying membership fees. He criticized Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan for refusing to participate in the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, implying that Armenia’s leadership is drifting away from the alliance.

Lavrov pointed to recent statements by Armenian officials indicating a “multi-vector” foreign policy, suggesting Armenia may be moving away from its traditional allies like Russia. He warned that if Armenia turns away from its neighbors and allies, it would not benefit the Armenian people.

Armenia’s government, however, appears determined to move forward with its internal policies without outside interference. 

The conflict between the Armenian government and the church remains a sensitive and evolving story. It shows not only internal political struggles but also the complex relationships Armenia has with powerful neighbors like Russia.

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