During a government meeting held yesterday, Nikol Pashinyan referred to churches and holy sites as mere “storage rooms” (in Armenian, “չուլան”), downplaying their spiritual and cultural significance. The comment comes at a time of heightened concern over the preservation of Armenian heritage, especially in Artsakh, now under Azerbaijani occupation.
In response, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued an official statement reaffirming that the Armenian Church is not only a religious institution but also a protector of national identity, language, and culture. “To dismiss our sacred sites as purposeless is to dismiss centuries of Armenian resilience, faith, and cultural survival,” the statement read.
His Grace Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See, noted that meaningful discussions about the Church’s role in Armenian society could be productive—if approached with sincere engagement. “Perhaps the country’s leader might also begin to notice the growing Azerbaijani claims over Armenian holy sites. Perhaps he will finally turn his gaze to the vital issue of protecting the endangered sanctuaries in occupied Artsakh, which now face the threat of destruction,” he stated, underscoring that these sacred spaces are under threat not only abroad but now rhetorically at home.
Further remarks came from His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Primate of the Gugark Diocese, who drew a direct parallel between Pashinyan’s comments and broader geopolitical developments. He pointed to an international conference held in Switzerland at the same time, dedicated to the preservation of Artsakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the right of its people to live freely, and the urgent need for the release of prisoners of war.
“Naturally, such an internationally-scaled gathering has sparked outrage, dissatisfaction, and concern in the enemy state of Azerbaijan,” he said. “It is perhaps not coincidental that, during this same period, the chief traitor of our own country, seemingly disturbed as well, launched a similar attack—this time against the Church.”
Church leaders argue that the timing of the Prime Minister’s remarks may not be accidental, suggesting they could be aimed at distracting from or diminishing the visibility of the Switzerland conference—a key event spotlighting the ongoing cultural and humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.
Ultimately, these remarks and the discourse surrounding Armenia’s sacred sites expose deeper tensions between the government and the Armenian people. Undermining the role of the Church reveals a profound disconnect from the country’s spiritual, historical, and cultural foundations. It reflects a broader struggle over identity, memory, and values at a critical moment in Armenia’s national journey.
