**Political Tensions Erupt as Armenia's PM Proclaims Church Leader's Transgressions**

**As Armenia's political landscape becomes increasingly fractious, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's accusations against a senior cleric of his nation’s Church may not only shake the foundations of the Armenian Apostolic Church but also complicate the government's path toward peace with Azerbaijan.**

Armenia's liberal government, historically at odds with the deeply conservative Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), found itself embroiled in controversy as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan launched remarkable allegations against a senior cleric's personal conduct. In a public statement, Pashinyan remarked, "Your Grace, go fool around with your uncle's wife. What do you want from me?" These comments escalated into serious claims that Catholicos Karekin II, the supreme leader of the AAC, has violated his vow of celibacy and fathered a child.

This divisive rhetoric marks a significant turn in the relationship between the Armenian government and the Church, which had previously managed a fragile coexistence. The timing of Pashinyan's statements is critical, occurring as Armenia prepares for elections next year. The Prime Minister's allegations have the potential to further polarize an already divided society and jeopardize ongoing peace talks stemming from Armenia's recent conflict with Azerbaijan.

The Church has yet to comment substantively on Pashinyan's accusations but has previously emphasized that government officials should not intrude into ecclesiastical governance. Should allegations against Karekin II prove true, they would render him unfit for his religious office according to Church regulations that require a vow of celibacy for leadership roles. Nonetheless, Pashinyan has not provided evidence to support his claims, suggesting that he may release further information to substantiate his position.

The political climate has turned hostile, with opposition parties and two former presidents expressing solidarity with the Church and condemning Pashinyan’s provocations. The relationship had already soured following Armenia's defeat in the 2020 conflict, during which Karekin II publicly joined calls for Pashinyan's resignation.

As tensions rise, the Church’s position as a voice of dissent has been increasingly prominent, especially following recent demands for the return of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, amid concerns that the government’s approach may not align with the sentiments of its constituents. Political analysts speculate that this could be a calculated move by Pashinyan to neutralize the Church’s influence ahead of upcoming elections.

In a subplot to this political quarrel, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan expressed intentions to intervene on behalf of the Church, a gesture that was met with swift governmental repercussions, as authorities charged him with making calls to overthrow the government.

Although allegations against the Church's integrity swirl, it remains a steadfast institution in Armenian society, with a significant diaspora network. Past accusations against Church leadership have included extortion and financial mismanagement, yet the faithful have largely maintained their support for the institution.

The confrontation between government leadership and the spiritual hierarchy points to deepening societal fractures in Armenia, emphasizing conflicting allegiances between Western and Russian influences, and exacerbating tensions related to ethnic disputes tied to Nagorno-Karabakh. As Armenia approaches a crucial election period, the fallout from the government’s recent actions could set the stage for pivotal changes in its social and political dynamics.