The Armenian Church Voices Concern Over a New Constitution
The Armenian Apostolic Church has voiced strong suspicions about the government’s push to adopt a fresh constitution for the country. Reports from Eurasia Daily suggest that church leaders view the move with deep caution, signaling a broader unease about what such constitutional changes could mean for Armenia’s political balance and public trust. The church’s stance reflects a longer-standing concern among spiritual authorities that sweeping legal revisions may be driven by outside influences rather than the genuine will of the Armenian people.
In a statement from the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church, chaired by Karekin, Catholicos of All Armenians II, the church outlined its misgivings. The council noted that a series of speeches by Armenia’s high-ranking officials, alongside remarks from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, have amplified uncertainty surrounding the constitutional proposal. The hierarchs argue that public-level doubts have intensified as a result of perceived external pressures and the sense that the country could be maneuvered into accepting a framework that may not fully reflect domestic consensus or the nation’s best interests. The council’s remarks emphasize a call for careful scrutiny and a more transparent dialogue before any constitutional changes move forward. [citation: Eurasia Daily]
Beyond the church’s commentary, the broader political landscape has included statements from Armenian leadership about regional security and alliance choices. Reports indicate that Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister, had stated that Yerevan had suspended its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). This development has added another dimension to the conversation about national sovereignty, security guarantees, and Armenia’s future orientation in international security arrangements. The shift echoes a wider debate within the country about how to balance traditional security partnerships with new alignments that may better reflect Armenia’s strategic priorities. [citation: Eurasia Daily]
Separately, the Armenian Security Council has conveyed that there is a desire to strengthen security cooperation with Western partners. This stance signals a potential pivot toward deeper ties with Western institutions and allies, framed as part of a broader effort to diversify security relationships and reinforce national resilience. Such statements contribute to a multi-faceted discourse on how Armenia can safeguard its sovereignty while navigating regional tensions and evolving security dynamics. [citation: Eurasia Daily]
Overall, the situation surrounding the proposed constitutional reform appears to be shaping a complex conversation among state actors, religious leaders, and the public. The Armenian Apostolic Church’s cautious rhetoric underscores the importance of transparency, inclusive dialogue, and careful consideration of external influences in the constitutional process. As political actors continue to weigh the implications of constitutional changes, the role of civil society and religious institutions in safeguarding democratic norms and national unity remains a central element of the national dialogue. [citation: Eurasia Daily]