Prime Minister Pashinyan and 10 Bishops Announce "Roadmap"

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shared the strategic declaration regarding the reformation of the Armenian Apostolic Church via his digital media accounts. The text was finalized following hours of consultations at the Prime Minister’s residence and was signed by Pashinyan and 10 bishops. Pashinyan announced the joint statement with the following words:

"Dear citizens, we are currently at the Prime Minister’s residence. After hours of evaluation, we have reached an agreement on the declaration text we prepared regarding the reform process of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church."

Faithful to Belief, Opposed to Politicization

The declaration, reflecting the collective will of the signatories, emphasized the fundamental reasons for the reform through the following points:

• Faithfulness to Tradition: Maintaining loyalty to the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ; the faith sown by the preaching of the Apostles St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew; and the sacred tradition of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, founded through the efforts of St. Gregory the Illuminator and King Tiridates III the Great.

• The Social Role of the Church: Recognizing the vital and central role the Church plays in preserving national identity and developing Armenian society within a framework of core values.

• Criticism of Current Leadership: Expressing deep concern over the current church leadership and its inner circle failing in their mission to live and preach according to Gospel principles, the disruption of spiritual life, and the tolerance shown toward cases of moral corruption.

• Stance Against Politicization: Condemning the unacceptable and unlawful practices aimed at instrumentalizing the Church for political ambitions and utilizing it in line with various agendas and interests.

The Reform Process Begins

In the concluding section of the declaration, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the renewal process of the Armenian Apostolic Church has officially commenced and will be carried out within the framework of a designated "roadmap."

According to the declaration, a "Coordination Council" has been established to manage the organizational and administrative operations of the reform. The text also noted that the structure of the Council may be expanded through the unanimous vote of its current members.