Ter Vrtanes Baghalyan, the spiritual leader of Byurakan, issued a statement via Facebook addressed to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and state authorities, warning that “any encroachment on the Mother See, especially a forced and unlawful entry, would constitute not only a legal offense, but also sacrilege and an act against God.”
He further asserted that “responsibility for the consequences of any unlawful intrusion into the Mother See will fall on the main coordinator, Nikol Pashinyan, the heads and agents of the security services, and all accomplices.”
“Recently, there have been troubling statements and reports in the public sphere suggesting that the Armenian government, abusing the powers of the Prime Minister, may launch a forceful intrusion into the territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,” Baghalyan wrote.
He said his statement aims to prevent such “illegal and sacrilegious” actions and to highlight their constitutional, international legal, and moral-spiritual consequences.
“Nikol Pashinyan, his enablers, and anti-church groups seeking to exploit the moment. The Mother See is not just an administrative building, it is the heart of Holy Etchmiadzin, a centuries-old center of our people’s faith and spiritual identity. Any encroachment, especially through unlawful force, is not only a legal crime but also blasphemy and defiance against God.”
Referring to Armenia’s Constitution, Baghalyan emphasized that such actions would violate not only multiple constitutional provisions but also internationally enshrined principles of religious freedom and the sanctity of places of worship.
“I urge you to refrain from any step that could divide the Armenian people and weaken their spiritual foundations.
Remember, state power is earthly and temporary, while the Church and faith are eternal.
Respect both Armenia’s Constitution and international treaties, and abstain from illegal interference in Church affairs.
If this appeal is ignored and the Mother See is attacked, it will be a crime not only before the law but also an indelible stain before history and eternity.
Your name will be remembered not among builders, but among destroyers.
We pray that the Lord enlightens your hearts and leads you toward justice and holiness, for the sake of our people’s unity and the protection of our sacred heritage. Responsibility for any unlawful invasion will lie with Nikol Pashinyan, security service leaders, their agents, and all accomplices,” the post concluded.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, when asked during a press conference how he would “liberate” the Mother See, responded that it would be done “the same way Armenia was liberated from Serzh Sargsyan in 2018.” He later urged preparations for a “Great Spiritual Gathering” in Etchmiadzin’s central square.
