Armenia's power struggle: Church defends itself against state repression!

Armenia's power struggle: Church defends itself against state repression!

Things are simmering in Armenia: tensions between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church are reaching a new peak. Representatives of Christian Solidarity International (CSI) recently learned that they could not gain access to detained clergy and members of this storied church. CSI's Joel Veldkamp said the current situation is "deeply disturbing" and the human rights situation in Armenia requires closer attention. CSI's delegation was in Yerevan from November 13 to 17, 2025, where they met with religious dignitaries and human rights lawyers. The meetings continued, but the planned visit to imprisoned church representatives was quickly canceled by the Ministry of Justice - a decision that Veldkamp criticized as “unlawful”.

Particularly worrying was the repression against independent media that the delegation witnessed on the day of arrival. Two podcasters and a journalist are currently in state custody - an alarming development that massively endangers press freedom in Armenia. The first “National Prayer Breakfast” in Armenia took place against this background, but was poorly attended. Only a representative of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Daniel Findikyan, was present, while Levergen's role in society is increasingly being questioned.

State and church: a tense relationship

The Armenian Apostolic Church has an immensely significant role in the identity and history of the Armenian people. The connection between church and state is traditionally close in Armenia, which underlines the constitutionally recognized role of the church as a “national church”. This 권etako co-opt mentality, most recently entrenched under the leadership of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, has become increasingly a priority since 2018. A planned constitutional reform that would strip the church of its privileged status is causing further controversy. Pashinyan has dealt with sensitive issues for the church in the past - Bishop Garegin II was publicly accused and in return called for support of former President Robert Kocharyan.

The disputes are increasingly reaching personal dimensions: Pashinyan accused Garegin II of breaking his celibacy, while the church confronts the prime minister with allegations of abuse of power. On the weekend of this escalation, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan was arrested, suspected of plotting a violent coup against the government. Over 14 other people have been arrested in connection with this allegation. In many places, these developments are bringing back memories of the trauma of 1999, when high-ranking politicians were murdered - and uncertainty is growing.

Global reactions and outlook

International organizations such as the US Commission on International Religious Freedom have already entered the ring and are calling for the release of the imprisoned clergy. John Eibner from CSI also underlined the importance of the “Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh”. In another appeal, he appealed to the international community to stand up for church members and journalists. Eibner also made it clear that the concern of the Armenian human rights organizations that document the instrumentalization of the judiciary is of central importance.

The situation in Armenia remains deadlocked. Political and social tensions could bring the country to the brink of geopolitical instability. The plan is to hold the EU summit in Armenia in two years - the question is under what conditions and what changes can happen by then. The gap between institutional actors and civil society could play a crucial role in the country's future.