On July 20, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, announced his intention to remove Garegin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, from his position. In his statement, Pashinyan referred to Garegin II by his secular name, Ktrich Nersisyan, and accused him of violating his ecclesiastical vows and refusing to vacate the patriarchal seat.

Pashinyan stated, "Ktrich Nersisyan (Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II), who broke his marriage vow to the church, has not yet vacated the patriarchate, thereby desecrating the sanctuary of our holiness — the primatial see. By doing so, Ktrich Nersisyan is calling on us, the faithful followers of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, to free the patriarchate from him." He called on his supporters to prepare for collective action, adding, "We will do this together. Be ready."

In a subsequent message, Pashinyan issued a call for a mass mobilization in Echmiadzin, where the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of the Catholicos are located. "Live in prayer, abstinence, fasting, and prepare for the Great Spiritual Meeting in the central square of Echmiadzin," Pashinyan wrote, suggesting a forthcoming movement centered around the spiritual and institutional heart of the Armenian Church.