Armenian government against Armenian Church: is today final?

Armenia is approaching the finale of its long-running and at times almost Paralympic-style “Olympics.” Today, two major teams are set to clash simultaneously in Echmiadzin: supporters of Pashinyan, who plan to hold a rally in the evening and demand the resignation of Catholicos Garegin II, and the revanchists and opposition led by the Catholicos himself and Levon Kocharyan, the son of Robert Kocharyan.

Armenia’s Interior Ministry has been preparing for the “match of the year” since the morning, calling on everyone to “refrain from provocations” and reminding the public that detentions will follow if necessary.

The most amusing part is the preparation process. The opposition is busy publishing spiritual texts in the media about “crusaders defending the shrine.” Meanwhile, Pashinyan’s camp is receiving entire CV packages from priests who expect promotions after Garegin’s removal in exchange for loyalty.

Frankly speaking, the rivals are well matched. How today’s “battle of the Titans” will end—we’ll find out tonight.