We view PACE interim statement as disinformation – AAC Supreme  Spiritual Council 

ArmInfo. The Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) has deemed highly surprising the assessment made by the pre-electoral delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in its interim statement dated May 13 regarding the "unprecedented  implication of the Armenian Apostolic Church in politics."

As stated in a post on the official Facebook page of the Mother See of Etchmiadzin, the Supreme Spiritual Council of the AAC views this  statement as disinformation, that contradicts PACE Resolution No. 2633 (2026) of January 25, 2026.

The Mother See expects PACE to provide a clear assessment  of the  state-led campaign against the Armenian Church in the country, the  continued obstruction and restrictions imposed by state agencies,  contrary to national and international legislation, which directly  impede the Church's spiritual mission.

"A targeted response is required regarding unlawful actions, such as  targeting the clergy through coercion and threats, initiating  criminal cases against a number of clergymen, encouraging individuals  who deviate from ecclesiastical canons, concluding unlawful  employment contracts with individual priests, and appointing  defrocked individuals to clerical service with state support. These  actions directly violate both the rights of the Armenian Apostolic  Church and fundamental human rights and freedoms," the statement  reads.

At the same time, a fair response is expected from international  organizations and human rights bodies regarding the ruling political  party's unlawful actions in interfering in the autonomous governance  of the Armenian Church in the Diaspora. The Supreme Spiritual Council  considers it necessary to reiterate that no structure outside the  Church and its authorized bodies, even one possessing state or  political power, can "restore" church life.

"The voice of the people in the elections can be used exclusively to  strengthen state independence, safeguard the country's territorial  integrity, reinforce national identity, and restore social harmony.   The Armenian state has always been a strong bulwark of our identity  and the foundation of our existence.  The independence of Armenia  must be preserved with care, devotion, and diligence, and must never  be put at risk by adventurism," the statement noted.  It is worth  noting that following its two-day visit to Armenia, the PACE  delegation released a statement mentioning the unprecedented  involvement of the Armenian Apostolic Church in politics.