The VDS called the Armenian authorities` ongoing policy of interfering in the internal affairs of the AAC unacceptable.

ArmInfo. The Supreme Spiritual Council (SSC) declared the Armenian authorities' continued policy of interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) unacceptable. This was stated during a regular Council meeting held in the Mother See of Etchmiadzin.

The AAC press office told ArmInfo that the meeting was chaired by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Legislative initiatives discussed in the National Assembly and provisions of the government's program concerning the Armenian Church were discussed. "During the meeting, instances of obstruction of the Church's mission and repression against the clergy were presented, and domestic and international legal mechanisms for protecting the rights of the Church, as well as planned steps, were discussed. The Supreme Spiritual Council deemed unacceptable the authorities' ongoing policy of interference in the internal life of the Church, as well as the repression and restrictions carried out through state channels. It was stated that such actions violate the constitutional guarantees of the Church's autonomy, as well as the freedom of conscience and religion of believers. The Supreme Spiritual Council condemned the authorities' violation of the constitutional status of the Armenian Church and emphasized the need to remove obstacles hindering the normal ministry of clergy," the Mother See of Etchmiadzin reported.

It is noted that the meeting participants also discussed ways to resolve existing problems and protect the rights of the Mother See of Etchmiadzin, emphasizing that obstructing the Church's spiritual, educational, and charitable programs seriously harms national interests. According to the source, other issues related to the activities of the dioceses and enhancing the effectiveness of the Church's mission were also discussed during the meeting.

It should be noted that since May 2025, the Armenian authorities have been actively pursuing an anti-church policy and are seeking the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, who is elected to this position for life. This campaign has targeted both clergy and citizens who support the Church. It should be noted that, according to the Constitution, Armenia is a secular state, where church and state are separate. At the same time, the "exclusive mission" of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) in preserving national identity is recognized.

It should be added that on August 19, it was announced that the issue of the Catholicos's removal was included in Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government program for 2026-2031.