Supporters of the Armenian Apostolic Church Hold Rally in Etchmiadzin, Defending the Church and His Holiness from Authorities

A fairly large rally was held in front of the Mother See in Etchmiadzin, echoing passionate support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and its spiritual leader. Devoted attendees, united to voice their call to safeguard the church against perceived threats from the authorities. The gathering also included a rendition of the Lord's Prayer, Hayr Mer.

However, the event took a dramatic turn as authorities intervened, dispersing participants and prompting allegations that the church was being specifically targeted. The crux of the issue, it seems, revolves around the Reverend's public call for Prime Minister Pashinyan to step down, a stance that has drawn both controversy and passionate backing.

Levon Kocharyan, the son of the second president of the Republic of Armenia and a deputy of the Hayastan faction, stood among the demonstrators. In an interview, Kocharyan shared a perspective on the authorities' actions, asserting that in areas where the government lacks absolute control, efforts are made to dismantle and replace those sympathetic to the authorities.

"The church is a structure that can oppose them, speak out, as we saw in the issues related to Artsakh. They instilled in people that they should not talk about politics. Now, if we are talking about the future of our country, Artsakh, our historical rights, is it politics, after all, this is what the church is talking about," Kocharyan explained, shedding light on the perceived nexus between the church and political discourse.

The rally serves as an obvious manifestation of the ongoing complexities within Armenian politics, where the intersection of faith and governance continues to be a focal point. As people continue to voice their different views, the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church emerges as a central force, advocating not only for spiritual matters but also engaging in discussions about the nation's future and historical rights.