Nikol Pashinyan, reacting to the statement of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, spoke yesterday with the following words: "We will continue our prayers in the Hovannavank, and then also in the Mother See."
Political scientist Suren Surenyants wrote about this. "Apparently, this expression can be perceived as a gesture of faith or reconciliation, but in terms of its content and political context, it sounds like a new stage aimed at undermining the institutional foundations of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Mother Ator clearly stated yesterday, "The actions performed in the name of rituals in the Holy Monastery are desecration." Pashinyan's reaction is beyond the behavior of a statesman and from the framework of constitutional respect.
He not only challenged the independent right of the church, but also publicly insulted the Catholicos of All Armenians, accusing him of moral and spiritual violations. This is a conscious political challenge to the Church, which pursues two goals: - to shake the authority of the church in the public consciousness, - thereby justifying illegal state interference in the affairs of the Church. Pashinyan's wording "to pray also at the Mother See" does not mean spiritual dedication, but penetration.
It is an attempt to replace spiritual authority with political presence, and the area of faith with governmental influence.
