Lawyer Ara Zohrabyan wrote on Facebook that he is convinced “the actions of the investigative bodies, the prosecutor’s office, and the courts are effectively directed personally by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.”

He warned that “these profane acts against the Mother See will bring great misfortune upon our nation.”

“Today we learned from Nikol Pashinyan’s public statement that a search is being prepared at the Mother See. The ‘chief investigator’ has ‘ordered’ a search at the sacred site where we Christians enter with reverence.

Normally, a search is conducted unexpectedly to prevent the removal of evidence. But in this case, it’s being publicly announced in advance. Why?

I see two possible reasons: (1) the ‘chief investigator’ wants to desecrate the Mother See through an unprecedented act, or (2) they’re planning to fabricate something. Both could be true.

He’s also floating the idea publicly to test public sentiment: will people defend the Mother See or not?

All red lines have already been crossed.

Under the current government, led by Nikol Pashinyan, the constitutional order has been overthrown. The principle of separation and balance of powers among the legislative, executive, and judiciary has been effectively suspended.

There is ample evidence of this. The most recent example:

On July 3, 2025, the National Assembly adopted a resolution which, among other points, stated: ‘1. Strongly condemns the attempted act of terrorism against the sovereignty, constitutional order, and legitimate authorities of the Republic of Armenia, which was exposed by law enforcement agencies in June 2025.’

As you can see, the National Assembly has blatantly violated constitutional norms guaranteeing the presumption of innocence and the principle that only courts may determine guilt. They have already declared a crime and condemned it.

As faithful children of the Armenian Apostolic Church, we understand clearly that these profane acts against the Mother See will bring national tragedy,” the post reads.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin previously urged the Armenian authorities to immediately release the detained clergy, a national benefactor, and those connected with them, and to act solely within the bounds of law.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had earlier announced that decisive steps are needed to “liberate the Catholicosate and organize new Catholicos elections.” He added that a Coordinating Group will be created to manage the agenda’s organizational matters, and he will personally select its first ten members.