Police deployed to Masis Church ahead of Prime Minister’s visit
Yerevan, January 11 – Police forces have been deployed to the area around Masis Church since early this morning, January 11, 2026, according to local reports. The deployment comes amidst growing political tensions and public controversy surrounding a planned visit by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to participate in a liturgy at the church alongside Bishop Gevorg Saroyan.
Controversy surrounding PM Pashinyan’s visit
The Prime Minister’s intended visit has drawn sharp criticism from various public figures and civil society initiatives. Suzie Badoyan, a prominent commentator, alleged that the applause for Nikol Pashinyan at Masis Church would be orchestrated by the teaching staff of Artashat, the JO staff, and kindergarten employees. David Ananyan stated that “Nikol Pashinyan will deepen the process against the Church – methodically and consistently.” Karen Vrtanesyan remarked that “for the ‘believers’ accompanying Nikol, all this is ‘Halloween.'”
These sentiments reflect a broader concern among some segments of society regarding the government’s perceived interference in church affairs and the politicization of religious institutions. Ara Zohrabyan, in a video statement, accused Pashinyan of “leading the process of desecrating churches,” urging people not to become his accomplices. Tigran Abrahamyan suggested that the government’s idea of “reforming” the Church is for its members to become employees of the Prime Minister’s office.
Allegations of pressure on clergy
Reports also indicate that law enforcement agencies are allegedly putting pressure on clergy members. The “Initiative of Five Human Rights Defenders” stated that they are receiving alarms that police are visiting priests of the Masyatsotn Diocese. Suzie Badoyan further claimed that the National Security Service (NSS) is “hunting priests, going from house to house.” These allegations suggest a concerted effort to suppress dissent or influence the stance of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Public and political reactions
The situation has prompted strong reactions from both the public and political figures. Manush Yesayan deemed the ongoing events “unacceptable.” Robert Amsterdam criticized the Prime Minister’s conduct as lacking “any legal or moral justification.” Youth unions of the Armenian Diocese expressed their “full support for the Mother See and the Catholicos of All Armenians.”
David Manukyan asserted that “the authorities’ campaign against the Church has one resolution: their removal.” Edmon Marukyan, a political figure, questioned the legitimacy of the Prime Minister’s position, stating, “We can also say that Pashinyan is not the Prime Minister.”
Broader context of church-state relations
This incident is part of a larger narrative of strained relations between the Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Russia’s Academy of Sciences has reportedly published a report questioning why Pashinyan is exerting pressure on the Apostolic Church and the opposition. This suggests that the issue has garnered international attention and is viewed within a broader geopolitical context.
Ongoing police presence and public sentiment
The police presence at Masis Church underscores the gravity of the situation. Reports from the ground, including a live connection video, indicate that the police have surrounded the Mother See Church in Masis. This strong security measure suggests an expectation of potential protests or public gatherings related to the Prime Minister’s visit.
The events at Masis Church highlight a significant moment in Armenia’s contemporary political and religious landscape, reflecting deep divisions and ongoing power struggles between state and religious institutions.
