Pashinyan again stated that he was ready to demonstrate the genitals to the Catholicos

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said that he will lead the movement for the liberation of the church from priests who violate the vow of celibacy.

"I can curse them, but I won't do it. I only said that I would lead the movement to free the church from them," he said at a press conference on July 16.

When asked how he plans to "vacate the residence of the Catholicos," Pashinyan replied that it was the same as in 2018, when Armenia was "relieved" of the post of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan. Pashinyan said that there is "no need for curses" and he is ready to use the methods of the "velvet revolution".

"Catholicos Garegin II can publicly feel my genitals, and I will still defend my faith and my principles," Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan also commented on the possibility of anathematizing him for attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"Where does the information that God cursed me come from? Or maybe he cursed or curses those who defile God's house?" — said Pashinyan.

The head of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan earlier expressed the opinion that Pashinyan devalues the Armenian Apostolic Church out of fear that it will unite the people before the elections. According to him, the Prime Minister of Armenia understands that his rating has dropped sharply, as he "has not done anything good for the people."

At the end of June, employees of the National Security Service of Armenia broke into the residence of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II in The Mother See of Etchmiadzin. AAC Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan was arrested. He and more than ten other people are suspected of preparing a violent seizure of power and terrorist acts.