On August 2, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II for the first time did not deliver a welcoming speech at the opening session of the Armenian Parliament’s new convocation.
According to Armenian legislation, both the country’s president and the Catholicos have the right to address parliamentary deputies in such circumstances. However, during the meeting, which was broadcast on the YouTube channel of the Armenian Parliament, only Armenian leader Vahagn Khachaturian spoke.
Garegin II’s absence provoked criticism from opposition members. “Where is the Armenian Patriarch?” asked Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia parliamentary faction.
Subsequently, others began repeating the same question.
Key political opponents of Pashinyan have been charged with criminal cases.
Against the background of ongoing tensions between the church and state authorities in Armenia, a criminal case was opened against Garegin II on February 14 on charges of allegedly obstructing judicial procedures. He was prohibited from leaving the country, which prevented his participation in an upcoming bishops’ conference in Austria.
The press service of the Armenian Apostolic Church has stated that this decision is illegal and politically motivated.
