Armenia’s parliament has adopted amendments in their second and final reading that significantly limit the property rights of the Armenian Apostolic Church over religious sites listed in the state register of historical and cultural monuments.

According to the new provisions, registered religious properties may now be transferred to third parties — whether for payment or free of charge — only with the approval of the government. The Cabinet is also empowered to block such transactions if it determines that the property will not be used for its intended purpose or would fail to serve the public interest.

Opposition lawmakers described the move as “another anti-church step,” noting that in February parliament had already revoked the Church’s right to acquire state and municipal land as property.

The legislative changes come amid escalating tensions between the government and the country’s senior clergy. Relations between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and church leaders have been strained since 2020, when the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin called for his resignation over his policies regarding Nagorno-Karabakh.

In recent months, the prime minister has effectively campaigned for the removal of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, who is elected for life. The head of the Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Yezras Nersisyan, said the Church would be prepared to convene a National Ecclesiastical Assembly — its highest governing body, responsible for electing the Catholicos and determining church statutes — provided that the state respects constitutional and canonical foundations.

Commenting on the authorities’ actions, Archbishop Nersisyan suggested that administrative measures are being used to exert pressure on the clergy. Earlier, prosecutors opened a criminal case against Garegin II on charges of obstructing the execution of a court decision. He has been placed under a travel restriction pending investigation.

The newly adopted amendments strengthen state oversight of religious heritage and may further shift the balance in church–state relations in Armenia, where the Armenian Apostolic Church has traditionally played a prominent social and cultural role.