THE world’s oldest Christian nation, established as such in AD 301, has withstood waves of persecution. Much of Armenia’s existence has been under foreign rule: Persian, Arab, Turkish or Russian. Most notably Islam and communism, as part of their attempts to control the nation, have tried to stamp out the Church. Today, in an independent Armenia, the threat to the Church comes from its own government.
During the centuries of occupation the identity of the nation has become inextricably linked with the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC). It is no exaggeration to say that the Church is the nation. More than 90 per cent of the Armenian population consider themselves Christian. The Church serves not only as a spiritual institution but plays a vital role in preserving Armenian culture and identity. This makes it all the more serious that the Armenian Church faces persecution from the Armenian government.
Tension between state and religion has always been a sensitive subject in many countries, and Armenia is no exception. There was a dramatic stand-off in June 2025 when security forces attempted to arrest clergy at the Church’s spiritual centre, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, prompting crowds to block the government forces. The Church and religious-freedom organisations condemned the event as an assault on sacred space.
The security forces had come to arrest Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan. ‘I am not a threat to this country, the threat is sitting in the government,’ he said in Etchmiadzin in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. ‘I have never hidden, and I am not going to hide now. I do not want to create the impression of hiding behind my brethren. They came after me, I will go.’
Last October the government sentenced the archbishop to two years in prison after he allegedly called for a regime change. His conviction is widely viewed by the Church as ‘political vengeance’ and as part of a broader effort to silence opposition voices among the clergy.
Another noted cleric, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, is also in pre-trial detention facing criminal charges. Ajapahyan and Galstanyan are members of the opposition group Sacred Struggle, which took a central role in the largely peaceful anti-Pashinyan demonstrations last year.
On October 16 a senior bishop, Mkrtich Proshyan, was arrested and charged with coercing citizens into public gatherings, obstructing electoral rights, and alleged large-scale theft. It is reported that 12 other clergymen from his diocese were also detained. The AAC condemned the action, calling it a politically motivated attack on the Church’s independence and saying: ‘There is obvious malicious intent to hinder the normal activities of the Church.’
Prime Minister Pashinyan has not only demanded the arrest of priests, bishops and archbishops, but he, his wife and political party have engaged in a harsh war of words with the head of the Armenian Church, Supreme Patriarch Catholicos Karekin II. In a social media post in July, Pashinyan said he would liberate the Armenian Apostolic Church from its ‘anti-Christian, adulterous, anti-national, anti-state’ leadership.
The stand-off with the church comes as Pashinyan faces parliamentary elections this year and is under domestic pressure to conclude a peace agreement with Azerbaijan to end decades of conflict between the South Caucasus neighbours.
Under Pashinyan, the Armenian government has implemented policies that many believe restrict the autonomy of the Armenian Church. These restrictions are often framed as necessary for modernisation and reform, but they raise serious concerns about religious freedom.
Reports indicate that the government has attempted to interfere in ecclesial elections, undermining the Church’s ability to choose its leaders freely. Such interference is not just an administrative concern: it strikes at the heart of what it means to be an Armenian Christian. The Church’s independence is crucial in maintaining its authority and integrity, and any government meddling can lead to widespread disillusionment among the faithful.
The persecution faced by the Armenian Church has serious repercussions for the Armenian community both domestically and abroad. When the government imposes restrictions on the Church, it weakens the community’s foundation. Many community members have voiced their concerns, expressing fear that the Church’s influence will dwindle and that the rich traditions of Armenian Christianity may fade. The lack of support from the government for the Church can lead to a spiritual crisis, particularly among younger generations who may feel disconnected from their heritage.
The Armenian diaspora is a powerful entity that can influence change at home. Organisations within the diaspora have been mobilising to raise awareness about the situation. Fundraising efforts, advocacy campaigns and educational initiatives aim not only to support the Church but also to pressure the Armenian government to respect its autonomy.
The future of the Armenian Church is uncertain, but one thing remains clear: the community’s resilience is strong. Despite the challenges posed by the government, many Armenians are committed to preserving their faith and traditions. The Church has survived centuries of persecution, and with the continued support of the community it can withstand current pressures.
As Armenians reflect on their rich history and the trials they have overcome, there is hope that this chapter can also lead to a renaissance of faith and community spirit. By coming together and standing firm in their beliefs, the Armenian people can ensure that their Church, and their identity, remains vibrant for generations to come.
