Changing Catholicos is not part of Prime Minister’s responsibilities – survey in Shirak

During a survey conducted in Shirak, residents spoke about the tensions in church–state relations.

According to the residents of Shirak, the state should not interfere with the church. “What is actually happening is a process that simultaneously discredits both the state and the church,” one respondent noted.

“Changing the Catholicos is not part of the Prime Minister’s responsibilities,” another resident said.

Respondents emphasized that for Armenian soldiers, the church and the homeland are inseparable values. “At one time we took up arms, first and foremost to defend our faith and our land. With the Lord’s Prayer and a fighting spirit, we went to the border,” said one of the Shirak residents. Despite the current situation, many in Shirak say their faith remains unshaken, and the church continues to be the people’s last hope.