Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed conviction that the purpose of organizing a Bishops’ Assembly of the Armenian Church in Austria is to move the Catholicosate and the treasures of Etchmiadzin out of Armenia, according to Armenpress.

“The information is becoming increasingly serious that, in reality, convening a Bishops’ Assembly outside Armenia and initiating these processes at a deeper level is aimed at removing the Catholicosate of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the treasures of Etchmiadzin from Armenia, strengthening the status of a puppet Catholicosate in the hands of certain forces, and using it as a tool against Armenia. I will not allow that. Armenia is not going to watch as a bystander; the response will be very tough. Those hiding behind the mask of benefactors and casting their eyes on the treasures of Etchmiadzin will have their gaze redirected elsewhere. If additional measures are needed for that, additional measures will be taken,” the prime minister said.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has sent invitations to bishops to attend the Bishops’ Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church, scheduled for February 16–19, 2026, in the city of Sankt Pölten, Austria. Despite travel restrictions imposed on several members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, the Catholicos has stated that the assembly will take place. It later became known that the aforementioned bishops will participate remotely.

On June 10, 2025, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposed forming a coordinating council tasked with taking practical steps to organize new Catholicos elections. Earlier, the prime minister accused His Holiness Кareкin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and several senior clergymen of violating their vow of celibacy, stating that if it is confirmed that Кareкin II indeed broke his vow and has a child, he cannot remain in the position of Catholicos of All Armenians.

In turn, church representatives accused the prime minister of launching an anti-church campaign. On January 4, 2026, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and 10 bishops and archbishops issued a statement regarding reform of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Pashinyan said that those who joined the statement had formed a coordinating council entrusted with the organizational functions of church reform. The composition of the council may be expanded by unanimous decision.