Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan has condemned growing attacks on the Church and its leadership, describing the present threats as dangerous, destructive, and rooted in darkness.
In his message marking the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, Archbishop Ezras, Primate of the Diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan, warned of “dark, destructive forces swarming around us,” quoting the Apostle Paul: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.”
He said the nation stands in distress over the depopulation of Artsakh and the destruction of sacred sites, describing the situation as one of existential threat.
“These dangerous, destructive, and obscurantist forces, under the illusion of light, are dragging us into mortal darkness. They commit unlawful acts against our Holy of Holies—the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin—against the elected Catholicos of All Armenians and our clergy. They spread hatred, incite violence,” Ezras said.
Among those targeted, he mentioned Archbishops Mikael and Bagrat, philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, and other devoted Armenian figures.
“This is unacceptable and intolerable. It carries irreversible consequences for our nation. History shows that obscurantist forces have often persecuted and misled us. But as the Apostle says: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed,’” the Archbishop stated.
His remarks came amid tensions fueled by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent comments about the Armenian Church. In a press conference, Pashinyan said the Catholicosate would be “liberated” the same way Armenia was freed from Serzh Sargsyan in 2018. He later urged preparations for a “Great Spiritual Gathering” in Etchmiadzin’s central square.
In another Facebook post, Pashinyan outlined his envisioned reform for the Church: removing the current Catholicos, appointing a morally noble priest as interim Catholicos, and blocking new elections until a new Canon for the Armenian Apostolic Church is adopted.
