Deputies from Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party attempted to disrupt the National Assembly meeting after a member of the opposition faction referenced Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II.
During the session, Kristine Vardanyan, a deputy representing the opposition Armenia faction, mentioned the Catholicos. Following this, representatives of the Civil Contract party began knocking on the tables as they protested. The disruption continued until Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, who represents Pashinyan’s party, asked the deputies to stop. Vardanyan urged them to continue speaking.
Opposition members have previously expressed dissatisfaction when ruling-party officials used Garegin II’s secular name instead of his church title in parliamentary discussions.
On August 2, Catholicos Garegin II did not deliver a welcome speech at the opening session of the Armenian Parliament for the new convocation. According to Armenian law, both the president and the Catholicos are entitled to address deputies in such situations. The only speaker that day was Vahagn Khachaturian.
In February, authorities opened a criminal case against Garegin II on charges of allegedly obstructing judicial procedures. As a result, he was banned from leaving Armenia, preventing his participation in the bishops’ conference in Austria. The Armenian Apostolic Church’s press service described this action as illegal and politically motivated.
