Armenia's Struggle for Post-Conflict Future Meets Church Resistance
As Armenia approaches its next parliamentary elections, a rift is widening between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC).
The conflict, which began as a quiet tug-of-war over moral authority, has evolved into a political confrontation, threatening Armenia's democracy and prospects for peace with Azerbaijan.
Pashinyan, once trusted by the weary public, now faces an opposition hiding behind the cross, with the Church becoming a vehicle for nationalist and revanchist forces.
The arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the "Holy Struggle" movement, marks a turning point in this escalating conflict.
The Church, long regarded as the moral compass of the Armenian nation, has become the new vehicle for Armenia's nationalist and revanchist forces.
Author's summary: Armenia's government faces resistance from the Church.