On June 12, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, addressed several key issues regarding the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the country’s future, and allegations against the All-Armenian Fund “Hayastan.”
In a Facebook post on June 12, Pashinyan stated that, despite rumors, he does not have a candidate for the new Catholicos. He described the ideal Catholicos as “a person who believes in God and is a follower of Jesus Christ, not a swindler or usurer; a person who serves the Church, a pious clergyman, not a debauched person hiding behind his rank.” He condemned attempts to attribute the church’s internal reforms to “Turkish or Azerbaijani” interference as “a direct manifestation of Phariseeism,” arguing that such accusations serve to hinder progress and maintain stagnation. Pashinyan criticized those defending Ktrich Nersisyan, accusing them of supporting “lies, falsification, desecration,” and called for Nersisyan to “release the First Throne.” He emphasized that the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church will be restored to the people and to Jesus Christ.
At a government meeting on the same day, Pashinyan discussed Armenia’s current situation, stating that despite past hardships, “opportunities have opened up for our country,” including the chance to secure the state’s longevity for the next 100 years. He acknowledged existing threats but emphasized that Armenia now has both the theoretical and practical ability to manage them, highlighting “incredible prospects” that can counterbalance these risks. He noted that significant investments are being made precisely because Armenia’s security problems are being addressed.
Regarding the 2021 parliamentary elections, Pashinyan reflected on the campaign slogan “There is a future, there is a future!” and explained that “the future is a project.” He defined the ideology of “real Armenia” as the foundation of this project, emphasizing that without a clear focus and plan, there is no future. “Today we are clearly focused,” he stated, though some aspects will require time to develop.
Addressing renewed opposition claims about the misappropriation of funds from the All-Armenian Fund “Hayastan,” Pashinyan referred to an investigative commission led by an opposition member, noting the lack of any official report or conclusion. He called on them to present evidence if theft occurred, mentioning Robert Kocharyan and Artsvik Minasyan by implication. “If they write and sign that it was stolen, we will know what to do next,” Pashinyan said, promising legal action to prove the contrary if necessary, while affirming that the facts are already known.