The ancient Armenian Apostolic Church is fighting for its life against a homegrown danger as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan launched a brutal campaign against the clergy, sparking accusations of religious persecution that have spilt onto the international stage. This internal warfare was brought to global attention recently via a full-page advertisement on page nine of the Financial Times. The striking headline asked, 'In God's name, what is going on in Armenia?' challenging the government's treatment of a church followed by more than 90 per cent of the population.
While Armenia's constitution grants the church a formal role in preserving national identity, critics argue the current administration appears intent on dismantling that influence rather than working alongside it. The result is an escalating confrontation between a centuries‑old institution and a government increasingly accused of authoritarian tactics.
