Pashinyan proposed to install national flags in Armenian churches

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposed to install national flags on the territory of the Armenian apostolic churches, as well as to sing the national anthem before the beginning of the liturgy. He made the corresponding statement on December 8 in a video message on his Telegram channel.

"What I propose is that the national anthem of the Republic of Armenia should be played before the liturgy in the Armenian Apostolic churches of Armenia... I also believe that the presence of the national flag of Armenia on the territory of Armenian churches, either nearby or inside, should be considered," Pashinyan said.

The prime minister justified his proposal by referring to the text of the liturgy, which mentions the "heavenly host," which, in his opinion, is symbolically connected with the idea of statehood.

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On July 20, Pashinyan called for preparations to expel Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II from his residence in Etchmiadzin. The prime minister accused him of violating the marriage covenant. According to Pashinyan, after joining the church, a monk priest cannot enter into any other personal relationships. Later, the Armenian Prime Minister declared his readiness to lead the process of removing Garegin II from his post.

On June 30, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concern about attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia. He stressed that Moscow is interested in stopping such actions and in resolving the situation as soon as possible based on full respect for the rights of believers.

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