National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan responded on Facebook to reports that opposition figures intend to visit the Mother See, writing that those who have accused the ruling party of “attacking” the Holy See now seem ready to do it themselves.

“For months, Kocharyan and a Russian businessman have accused us of interfering in the internal affairs of the Mother See. Today, they themselves plan to do exactly that,” he wrote.

“I’m curious: when Kocharyan said he believes one of the archbishops should lead the opposition movement, and that eventually happened, was that on his order, carried out by Ktrich Nersisyan? Or were both of them acting under instructions from a common ‘master’?” Rubinyan added.

Earlier, a group of bishops who met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for a gathering on December 18 at the Mother See to demand the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. Clergy from the Aragatsotn Diocese later announced that a joint prayer service, originally planned for Byurakan’s St. Hovhannes Church, would instead be held at Holy Etchmiadzin.

This was followed by calls from citizens, including public and political figures, to gather at the Mother See at 15:30 in support of the Church and the Catholicos.