In an interview with the Hraparak (Square) newspaper, published on February 14, Garegin II said that relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) and the government of Armenia are protocol-based. 

"Our meetings with government representatives and authorities after the war were protocol meetings as part of various events. For example, the inauguration of the President [Vahagn Khachaturian]," the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church noted.

Garegin II did not hide the fact that there were disagreements between the church and the authorities. At the same time, he stressed that the church will continue to contribute to the development and security of the country and the strengthening of Armenian statehood. From this vantage point, he urged people to interpret the church's statements and positions on national and public issues. The Catholicos also said that the situation in the country prompted him to organize meetings with the former presidents of Armenia and [separatist] Nagorno-Karabakh. "Moreover, separate conversations and meetings were held with the participation of all presidents; however, due to differences in approaches, it was not possible to continue discussions in this format," he explained.

"Nevertheless, we continue contacts with the former presidents [of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh] and will make every effort in the name of national unity, only thanks to which it is possible to overcome the existing difficult challenges," Garegin II emphasized.