In a dramatic escalation of internal unrest, Armenian police raided the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church on Friday, leading to violent clashes with clergy and churchgoers. The confrontation unfolded in Vagharshapat, home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of Armenia’s dominant religious institution.
The raid comes amid mounting public dissent over Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s controversial agreement to hand over several strategic villages along the Azerbaijan border — a move critics view as a betrayal of national sovereignty.
As of Friday morning, local reports confirm that Archbishop Mikael Adjapahyan has been detained by law enforcement, despite public resistance. The prelate has been accused of plotting a coup, though no official evidence has been presented to substantiate the claims.
Video footage circulating online shows police attempting to storm the cathedral, met by crowds of clergy and civilians forming a human barrier. The standoff appears to have intensified tensions already simmering for weeks.
The government’s crackdown extended beyond the church leadership. Bagrat Galstanyan, another high-ranking cleric and prominent figure in the anti-government protests, was also detained on terrorism-related charges. Meanwhile, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan — known for his open support of the church — was arrested and accused of calling for the viole
The Armenian Apostolic Church has emerged as a powerful political and moral voice against the Pashinyan administration, playing a key role in organizing protests nationwide. With the arrest of multiple high-profile figures, analysts warn that Armenia could be heading toward wider civil unrest or even constitutional crisis.
While the government claims the land deal with Azerbaijan is a step toward regional peace, opposition voices fear it undermines national security and cultural heritage.