Metropolitan Leonid expresses support for Karekin II amid political  pressures

ArmInfo.Metropolitan Leonid, a retired hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church and former Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, has  expressed his support for Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, condemning the Armenian government's recent legislative and political initiatives  targeting the Church. In a post shared on his Telegram channel, Metropolitan Leonid criticized the ruling Civil Contract party's draft development program for 2026–2031, which outlines proposals concerning the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC).

 "Can you imagine the ruling political party of a constitutional  state, one that aspires to join the EU and insists on freedom of  speech and action, planning the overthrow of the highest cleric,  essentially one of the nation's respected leaders, when developing  the country's development program for 2026-2031? The answer is yes!  This is happening in Armenia. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II  is under attack and facing criminal prosecution. Nikol Pashinyan's  Civil Contract partyhas  declared: "Reform of the Armenian Apostolic  Church (hereinafter referred to as the AAC) is necessary, as it will  provide a solution to the problem of building a spiritual life based  on values." Metropolitan Leonid noted.

He recalled that spiritual life serves as an important factor in  "ensuring the happiness of the believing community," noting that, in  this regard, the party included in its program the removal of the  head of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the election of a vicar of  the Catholicosate. Furthermore, the bishop continued, the Armenian  government intends to adopt a Church charter that will define  mechanisms for upholding established principles, ensure financial  transparency, and "the proper conduct of the clergy."

"The election of the Catholicos of All Armenians will be ensured in  accordance with the established procedure." But then they declared  that the Civil Contract party respects the freedom of religion and  religious beliefs of all citizens, and that the Republic of Armenia  is a secular state. This is what happens when strangers come to  power. He seems Armenian, seemingly one of our own, but in reality,  he wreaks havoc on the country. And how he sang, how he sang! Wow!"  Metropolitan Leonid wrote.

He also stated that all those who support the Armenian Apostolic  Church and the Patriarch—businessmen, politicians, and  intellectuals—have fallen under the administrative pressure, adding  that their rights are restricted, criminal cases have been opened,  and some are already behind bars. "You call this freedom!?  The  Armenian Apostolic Church, within the law, criticizes Pashinyan.  Pashinyan responds with personal insults against the Patriarch and  criminal prosecution. The draft document on the Armenian Apostolic  Church will be discussed in the Armenian government next week. We'll  see what they come up with. I personally express my support to His  Holiness Patriarch Karekin. I wish him strength and fortitude. Hang  in there, Your Holiness! These wretched, corrupt premiers come and  go. Sometimes the nation doesn't even remember their names, but the  Church, led by Your Holiness, the faithful episcopate and clergy, and  supported by the people of Armenia, has been, is, and will remain,"  the clergyman concluded.