The Council on the Reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church held its inaugural session, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on his Facebook page.

"The Council on the Reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church convened for its first meeting, during which it discussed the main directions of the Church reform process, organizational steps, and the scope of upcoming work, all based on the principles and goals outlined in the founding declaration," Pashinyan wrote.

He stated that the Council “considers it essential for the reform process to be grounded in public trust, transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability, highlighting the need for joint efforts between clergy and laypeople.”

Pashinyan also recalled that the Council expressed support for the decision of Archimandrite Goussan Aljanian, Vicar of the Armenian Diocese of Switzerland, to join the Church Reform Declaration and its proposed roadmap. Aljanian plans to attend a future Council meeting when the opportunity arises.

"During the session, actions aimed at the smooth implementation of the roadmap were discussed and necessary decisions were adopted," Pashinyan stated.

Ten clergymen who met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and called for Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to step down issued a statement in Etchmiadzin on December 18, then left quickly. At the same time, a church service was taking place inside the Mother Cathedral with the participation of the Catholicos.

"This latest attempt to violate the sanctity of Holy Etchmiadzin was unfortunately facilitated by some of our own clergy. However, the faithful children of our nation remain steadfast and fearless. The uproar being raised in the Church will never derail our mission or our plans, which are dedicated to the Church’s glory and the strengthening of our country," said Karekin II.