Large numbers of police officers and citizens have gathered at the grounds of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, according to Panorama.am . Many of those present are supporters of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Clergy are also present in the church courtyard, and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II is currently at his premises.

In a statement, the police called on the public to refrain from illegal or provocative actions, to respect the rights of others, and to comply with the lawful instructions of law enforcement officers maintaining public order.

Meanwhile, the Mother See issued its own warning, urging bishops organizing the gathering to exercise caution.

Earlier, a group of bishops who had met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a call for people to gather at the Mother See on December 18 to demand the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. Clergy from the Aragatsotn Diocese announced that a planned joint prayer event originally set for Byurakan’s St. Hovhannes Church would instead take place at Holy Etchmiadzin.

This triggered calls from citizens, including political and civil society figures, to gather at 15:30 in support of the Church and the Catholicos.