Expert: Elimination of AAC may result in Armenian communities abroad  becoming  a "fifth column"

ArmInfo.  The elimination of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) may result in Armenian communities becoming a so-called "fifth column," according to  Armenian expert and political scientist Stepan Danielyan, when  addressing the ongoing conflict between the authorities and the  Armenian Church.

The expert expressed the opinion that the ongoing developments should  be viewed within  a broader context that goes beyond Armenia. "There  is a possibility of external interference. Specifically, Turkish and  Azerbaijani 'think tanks'  are working on scenarios that may change  the geopolitical situation. Specifically, these centers are spreading  the message that the Church and the diaspora are the foundation of  Armenian nationalism," Danielyan pointed out.

In this vein, the political scientist mentioned the unbreakable  connection between the diaspora and the Church, calrifying that  without the Armenian Apostolic Church, any Armenian community loses  its foundation. In this regard, he urged consideration of what would  happen if the Armenian Apostolic Church were to submit to any  geopolitical centers. According to Danielyan, this would raise the  question of the advisability of maintaining Armenian dioceses in  other countries. As an example, he noted that the Iranian Church is  subordinate to the Church of Antelias (a city in Lebanon, home to the  Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, headed by Catholicos  Aram I - ed.) and urged the question of whether Iran would allow a  "fifth column" to operate on its territory. "That is, serious  processes are currently underway, where Turkish think tanks are  aiming to eliminate the Armenian Church. This is due to the Church's  important role in the political life and national identity of  Armenians, which hinders the implementation of Turkish geopolitical  programs. These programs are aimed at creating a greater Turkish  world, which could subsequently come into conflict with Russia, Iran,  and China," Danelyan noted.

The expert also touched on the prayer breakfast organized by Armenian  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.  He noted that this event goes  against the traditions of the Armenian Church and is more aligned  with Zionist evangelicals. Danielyan recalled that the latter  advocate for the belief that all of Israel should be controlled by  Jewish people. "This, in turn, creates distrust among Orthodox Arabs  and Christians living in those areas, including Armenians.  Essentially, the Evangelicals seek to return these territories to the  Jews, indicating their desire to divide the Armenian Church as well,"  the expert noted.

In conclusion, Danielyan expressed his conviction that the current  processes are driven by an external agenda, which includes the  reinstating the current government in 2026. In this regard, he  emphasized that the Armenian people are now at a crossroads: either  reform the Armenian Apostolic Church or risk its destruction. "We  must understand that problems exist in other churches as well, often  even more serious.  However, any changes within the Church should not  lead to its destruction. In other words, the issue at hand is not  simply about replacing Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians, but  about preserving our identity. Discussions about necessary changes in  the Church will only be possible after a change in leadership. Until  then, the country will face pressing challenges unrelated to the  Church," the political scientist concluded.