International groups warn of escalating pressure on Armenian Church

(Horizon Weekly / YEREVAN) — International religious freedom organizations are sounding the alarm over growing state pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s leadership.

In a statement issued from Vienna, the European Forum for Religious Freedom warned that the Armenian government has launched a series of aggressive actions against the Church, undermining freedom of conscience and religion in a country that prides itself on being the world’s first Christian state.

The organization cited multiple alarming developments, including the suspension of spiritual services in the armed forces, pressure on military chaplains to join a government-backed “reform” campaign, and attempts to disrupt the Episcopal Assembly. It also highlighted the indictment of six bishops, the imposition of travel bans, and the summoning of Supreme Spiritual Council members on politically motivated charges.

These actions represent unprecedented state interference in church affairs, recalling Soviet-era practices of control and intimidation. The Forum’s president, Jan Figel, condemned the government’s approach as legally, politically, and morally unacceptable, warning that it harms both the Church and national unity.

Similar concerns were raised by the international organization Christian Solidarity International. After visiting Armenia, its president, John Eibner, warned that persecution of clergy is intensifying. Following meetings at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and with imprisoned Archbishop Galstanyan, the delegation urged U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to press Armenian authorities to end the anti-church campaign and release detained clergy.

The European Forum has also called on Vance to raise the issue during his upcoming visit to Yerevan. Earlier, the World Council of Churches expressed solidarity with the Armenian Church and concern over the situation.

Despite mounting international criticism, the government continues to push a “reform” agenda centred on removing the Catholicos. While claiming to act as a believer, Prime Minister Pashinyan has repeatedly intervened in church governance, signed reform documents in his official capacity, publicly questioned church leadership, and annulled ecclesiastical decisions.

Justice Minister Srbui Galyan has admitted that no constitutional authority exists for such interference, yet continues to justify the government’s actions. Meanwhile, the involvement of security services and police in church-related matters has deepened fears of political pressure and intimidation.

Observers warn that continued state interference threatens Armenia’s constitutional order, weakens public trust, and endangers one of the country’s most important national institutions.