The council of the wise

2026-02-28 - 15:44

For years, Armenians have watched helplessly as troubling public confrontations have unfolded among prominent figures across the Armenian world, with political disagreements escalating into ignominious theater. On Feb. 12, 2026, nine prominent Armenians — Noubar Afeyan, Anthony Barsamian, Lord Ara Darzi of Denham, Eric Esrailian, Vahe Gabrache, Vatche Manoukian, Joseph Oughourlian and Berge Setrakian — published an open letter addressing one such escalating discord: the conflict between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The dispute, which had simmered for years, reached a boiling point when the prime minister publicly called upon the Church to remove its leader. The signatories emphasized that “the Armenian Church provides spiritual nourishment to all Armenians,” and argued that diasporan Armenians are obliged to seek the assistance of their governments — including political remedies and legal action, if necessary — to protect their religious rights. Two days later, Garo Armen responded with an open letter, arguing that “institutions survive only when they serve the people who sustain them. When the burden flows in only one direction — upward — faith turns into weight.” He stated that political elements within the Mother See had long resisted