(Photo: WCC)
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has recently stepped forward to express its support for the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) amidst ongoing tensions with the Armenian government. This stance highlights concerns over potential governmental interference in the church’s internal affairs.
Since Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan assumed office in 2018, the relationship between the AAC and the Armenian government has been strained. Tensions worsened following Armenia’s loss in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with allegations that a substantial portion of the Church’s leadership has faced imprisonment and that the AAC’s head has been restricted from international travel.
Critics have accused Pashinyan of resembling a Soviet-era dictator, while Pashinyan maintains that his actions aim to protect the Church from elements he describes as “anti-Christian” and “anti-state.” Some Church leaders have been accused of supporting calls for a violent change in government and even the assassination of ministers.
A notable case is the arrest of Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, who received a two-year prison sentence in September 2025 for allegedly advocating for the government’s overthrow. Prosecutors cited the Archbishop’s statements as evidence, including one to News.am where he stated, “I called for a coup to save the country from this madman, they are not saving it, they are also guilty of all this. This is not just a call, it must be done.”
In a recent court appearance, Karekin II, head of the AAC, and six senior clerics faced charges related to their refusal to comply with a court order to reinstate Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, whom Karekin had dismissed and laicised. A conviction could lead to a two-year prison sentence for those involved.
The WCC, through a joint statement by central committee moderator Bishop Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm and general secretary Dr. Jerry Pillay, emphasized, “WCC, as a global fellowship of churches, affirms the vital role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the spiritual, cultural, and historical life of the Armenian people and in the wider Christian family.” They further noted their concern over “undue interference in inner church matters,” pledging their support and prayers for the Armenian Church during these challenging times.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
