Pashinyan again criticized the Armenian Church leadership, accusing it of political activity

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed his dissatisfaction with the country's church's transformation into a political party. He noted the lack of spiritual sermons in regular churches, claiming that priests instead read political texts, which he considered unacceptable.

Pashinyan also commented on an incident in which the current church leader, upon arriving at the airport, inquired about the absence of people at a meeting, which, according to the Prime Minister, is a consequence of the church's distancing itself from the people.

"The church has been turned into a political party, which is absolutely unacceptable and unacceptable. I was shown the current church leader coming out at the airport and asking, 'Where are the people?' But there are no people. There are no people because he wasn't with the people, because he alienated them from the church," Pashinyan noted.

In late November, bishops in Armenia issued a statement addressed to Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, demanding his dismissal. Nikol Pashinyan had previously claimed that the current Catholicos was planning a military coup in the country. In early July, the head of state publicly appealed to the clergy, demanding that Garegin II be removed from office. The prime minister accused him and the Armenian clergy of working for Russia.

Последние новости
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
30 July 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan does not rule out taking its dispute with Russia over the management of the South Caucasus Railway to an international court if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian authorities hope to settle the matter through talks.

Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
Society
Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
30 July 2026

Circassian youth from Syria and Turkey have held their first international gathering in Damascus since the change of power in the country, bringing together young members of the diaspora to strengthen cultural ties, foster dialogue, and discuss future cooperation.

Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
Human rights
Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
30 July 2026

Georgian authorities have denied international protection to 17 Ukrainian citizens who have spent nearly a year in the basement of the Dariali border crossing point (Upper Lars) on the Georgia–Russia border. Once the decisions take legal effect, they could be deported at any moment.

Fuel Crisis Reaches Abkhazia as Long Queues Form at Petrol Stations
Economy
Fuel Crisis Reaches Abkhazia as Long Queues Form at Petrol Stations
30 July 2026

Abkhazia is facing a sharp deterioration in its fuel supply, with long queues forming at major petrol stations in Sukhumi and other towns. Some filling stations have introduced a limit of 20 litres of petrol per vehicle. The de facto authorities acknowledge supply disruptions but insist they are temporary.