In the spirit of unity: A proposal for Church–State reconciliation in response to the bishops’ statement
TORONTO — In response to the recent statement issued by the Assembly of Bishops, I write not in opposition, nor in alignment with any political authority, but out of sincere concern for reconciliation. The bishops have reaffirmed the spiritual unity and canonical integrity of the Armenian Apostolic Church. That affirmation deserves respect.
The tensions surrounding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and His Holiness Karekin II have evolved beyond personal disagreement. They reflect a broader institutional challenge between the sovereign Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church — two foundational pillars of Armenian national life. What began as a dispute has matured into structural strain, touching on questions of authority, accountability and public trust. Preserving both institutions requires procedural clarity rather than continued public contestation.
If reconciliation does not take place, the risk extends beyond disagreement. It may gradually fragment the working relationship between Church and State within the Republic. More concerning, it may deepen emotional distance between Armenia and its diaspora. For many diaspora Armenians, faith, identity and national belonging are inseparable. The Church has historically served as the primary bridge to the homeland. If polarization persists, indifference may replace engagement — not out of hostility, but out of fatigue.
For a small nation with significant global potential, such disengagement could carry long-term consequences. At the same time, it could affect the Church itself — weakening its unifying national mission and diminishing the vitality of its living connection with the diaspora. A sustained decline in engagement would not only reduce national capacity, but could also erode the Church’s credibility and its historic role as a unifying spiritual center. Reconciliation must therefore be structured and safeguarded.
First, both sides should commit to an immediate de-escalation of public rhetoric. Second, each should appoint two official representatives: one senior institutional figure and one legal expert (constitutional and canon law, respectively).
Third, a time-bound (90-day) Joint Consultative Commission should be established to clarify institutional boundaries, review contested actions under principles of due process and recommend safeguards against future conflict. Equal representation from State and Church should be complemented by mutually trusted independent figures, including respected members of the diaspora.
Fourth, confidence-building measures should accompany the process. Fifth, the commission’s findings should be published transparently, followed by the creation of a permanent Church–State liaison mechanism. This proposal asks neither side to surrender principle. It asks both to preserve unity — before distance hardens into division.
Please note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the official position of the Zoryan Institute.
I agree with the appeal of K.M. Greg Sarkissian. However, I am not sure about the suggested remedy.
The sins committed by Pashinyan and “renegades” against my Church are really outrageous.
Pashinyan is an international embarrassment and a tool.
Pashinyan must release ALL political prisoners, our blessed clergy – and STOP interfering with the Church NOW, where he has NO jurisdiction, whatsoever.
It is Pashinyan who must STOP the ugly and rabidly shameful rhetoric and repent his disgraceful behavior.
Truly, how can ANYONE tolerate the unjustified imprisonment of our clergy? https://www.facebook.com/reel/906240655214707
I would be so disappointed in the clergy if they didn’t speak out against moral & soul sucking bankruptcy of this PM.
It is the rhetoric of the Pashinyan government that is destructive and divisive to both Armenia and the Diaspora. The marketing of himself is both childish and foolish as if the world is stupid. I am not sure who looks sillier in the photos of the “Bored” of Peace – Nikol or Ill-ham. Seriously.
This idiotic episode will resolve once Pashinyan is NOT re-elected.
It is the despotic PM that has abandoned principle, not my Church.
As a Diasporan, I feel more drawn to pay attention to events in Armenia, and certainly not emotionally withdrawn as a result of this turd of a PM’s disgusting authoritarianism. I will admit fatigue. Who is not fatigued given the tragic condition of the world?
If anything, all of this has awakened me to various and terrible challenges taking place in Armenia.
As an active participant in my Church’s faith, my solidarity with, and faith in my Church and its leadership is enhanced, not diminished.
I honor the Bishops’ statement 100%, from start to conclusion. I honor and manner in which my fathers and brothers have conducted themselves throughout this shameful time.
There is no erosion of the Church’s credibility whatsoever, continuing to be a unifying spiritual center to its faithful.
There is no diminishing of the the Church’s living connection with the Diaspora whatsoever by these events. The bond is unbreakable.
I stand with my Hyastanzi brothers and sisters when they call out “Vehapar!” A call out to my Armenian brothers and sisters in Armenia and the Diaspora to awaken and fight empathy, speak out and get active – before it is too late.
Now back (perhaps) to the inward reflection of the Lenten season and the anticipation of an incredibly beautiful Holy Week in my Armenian Apostolic Church – like no other – awe-ful, soul rendering, irreplaceably beautiful.
-MV. …simply a thoroughly American and devoted daughter of my beloved Armenian Apostolic Church
Well said and well done MV! An excellent response and reaction to Mr Sarkissian’s rather confused and illogical assessments of the situation and his equally confused and grandiose proposals for remedy.
Having read Mr Sarkissian’s piece one cannot but wonder about the conspicuous absence of any references to the existing and very adequate remedies in the Armenian Constitutional , not to mention the numerous violations of it, both specifically in connection with Church-State relations as well as other serious violations of the law in general – Executive branch’s absolute dominance over the courts and law enforcement bodies and even the Constitutional Court itself, illegal imprisonments of the clergy, lawyers, journalists and even independent elected mayors and officials, Erdogan and Aliyev style!- by the current occupant of the seat of government in Yerevan.
Dear Greg Sarkissian,
It is aberration of responsibility
1- to put the aspiration of citizens of Armenia plus Armenian in diaspora for achiving full and permanent ” Armenian nationhood ” at the same level of priority and importance of Armenian church statues . Lets face it no statehood means no church no culture no Armenia nation. Nothing should be above statehood even God , enough of 600 years of being other nations servent.
2- For 50 plus years I was an Armenian from diaspora (now I am Armenian citizen living in Armenia ). Let’s not indulge in mythical ideas
Armenian living in diaspora do not have EXACTLY the same fears, values and aspiration as Armenian citizens living in. Armenia
The question is will we be ready to face the King of all nations in a perfectly righteous standing when He comes to us as Armenians? Will we be clinging to our self righteousness, banking on our good deeds outweighing the bad, or waving the flag of pride that we were the first christian nation to cover our imperfections before a Holy Judge and King? Will we be still sitting on our own thrones, following our own desires and wills, having dethroned the King’s rightful position in over our lives? Will we be depending on Armenia as our identity over being identified with the King Himself? Will we be found worshiping the false idols of the church or state (no matter if it follows the Word of the King or goes against it) as our savior instead of the one true King who was slain for our sins? The good news is that this King Jesus, who was the only one who lived a perfectly sinless life , died and rose again from the dead, made the way we can be made in perfect righteous standing before God the Father. If we surrender our lives to him, making him our true King/president of our personal lives, we will not only be made right and forgiven of our sins , but be given a new heart, through the Holy Spirit, in order to defeat death, hate sin and fight against it with his power, love God and change from the inside. We will be born of God and have eternal life. We will be able to be true Christians and not follow political games from both inside the apostolic church who don’t put the Word of God before it’s traditions and heirarchy they set up that is not biblical, and the state politics. We will change, and nations in turn will change as they truly draw and seek the face of God instead of themselves and other agendas. When the Armenian Apostolic Church reforms completely to follow the Word , instead of worshipping traditions, true change will happen, We will be able to truly help Armenia from the inside out. It starts with our allegiance to Him. He loves us and wants all to come to the knowledge that He is the way , the truth and the Life. God bless.
Well said and well done MV! An excellent response and reaction to Mr Sarkissian’s rather confused and illogical assessments of the situation and his equally confused and grandiose proposals for remedy.
Having read Mr Sarkissian’s piece one cannot but wonder about the conspicuous absence of any references to the EXISTING AND VERY ADEQUATE remedies in the Armenian Constitution, not to mention the numerous violations of it by the current occupant of the seat of government in Yerevan, both specifically in connection with Church-State relations as well as other serious violations of the law in general – Executive branch’s absolute domination and control over the courts and law enforcement bodies and even the Constitutional Court itself, illegal imprisonments of the clergy, lawyers, journalists and even independent elected mayors and officials amongst others, Erdogan and Aliyev style!, to mention but only a few.