Armenian circus and its clowns

Many observers have repeatedly noted that the internal political environment in Armenia often resembles a space of heightened tension and dramatic confrontation — and recent events continue to reinforce this impression.

The dispute between the Armenian Church and Prime Minister Pashinyan has gradually escalated and eventually turned into a rather unusual and confusing situation: parallel religious services, disagreements among clergy, mutual accusations and the circulation of various compromising narratives. All of this is accompanied by emotional public commentary, which only intensifies the overall impression of disorder.

Representatives of the Church have also become the subject of various allegations circulating in the public sphere. Reports about internal conflicts, personal disputes and attempts to resolve them through extended church meetings have drawn significant attention. Catholicos Garegin convened a multi-day council to address issues involving close associates, which has further fueled public discussion.

For some observers, the ongoing controversies seem to distract from long-standing questions related to the Church’s internal governance and transparency. While many details remain unclear, public debates continue to focus on these topics — including on social media, where certain individuals consistently raise them.

As a result, instead of unity, Armenia’s religious sphere is currently experiencing a period of prolonged turbulence, remaining at the center of public discourse throughout the year.