On the Feast of the Transfiguration, or Vardavar, Armenian youth in Moscow publicly expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.
The Armenian Church’s Moscow Telegram channel reported that participants chanted “Hands off Holy Etchmiadzin”, in response to actions by Armenian authorities perceived as hostile toward the Church, according to Sputnik Armenia.
The young Armenians took part in the festivities with joyful water games and music, observing Vardavar traditions while using the occasion to show solidarity with the Church.
This demonstration comes amid escalating tensions following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s remarks about church reform. In a press conference, he said the Catholicosate would be “liberated” the same way Armenia was freed from Serzh Sargsyan in 2018. He later called for preparations for a “Great Spiritual Gathering” in Etchmiadzin’s central square.
On Facebook, Pashinyan outlined a proposed scenario to “liberate” the Catholicosate by removing the current Catholicos and appointing a morally upright priest as a temporary substitute—one ineligible for the throne—until a new Church Canon is adopted.
