Public attitudes in Armenia toward the Armenian Apostolic Church remain stable and largely positive, regardless of the rhetoric of government representatives and developments over recent months. This is demonstrated by the latest sociological survey conducted by the Armenian office of GALLUP International Association and presented on a business television channel.
The survey results were presented by Aram Navasardyan, head of the Armenian branch of GALLUP International Association. He stressed that the purpose of the poll was not to impose predetermined conclusions, but to present an accurate picture of public sentiment to both the political sphere and society at large.
The Armenian Apostolic Church Maintains High Public Trust
One of the most indicative findings of the survey concerns public assessments of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to the data, 77.7% of respondents evaluate the Church’s work and role positively. Navasardyan noted that this reflects not only institutional trust, but also deep-rooted respect toward the Church.
He explained that citizens assess the Church’s activities from different perspectives. Some emphasize its work in dioceses and local communities, others focus on its role in the diaspora, while a third group highlights the stance the Church has taken amid criticism and pressure from the authorities. Regardless of motivation, however, the overall trend is clear: the majority of society continues to view the Armenian Apostolic Church with respect.
Government Actions in the Negative Perception Zone
The survey also addressed another sensitive issue that has been widely discussed in recent months. It concerns Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s participation in religious services attended by clergymen who were previously defrocked by the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Public reaction to this issue is particularly clear. More than 50% of respondents described the situation as negative or rather negative. Specifically, 39.3% characterized it as “completely negative,” while 11.1% described it as “rather negative.” These figures indicate that such actions by the authorities are perceived by broad segments of society as problematic and unacceptable.
At the same time, 23.4% of respondents expressed a “completely positive” attitude, while 13.7% indicated a “rather positive” view. According to experts, however, these figures do not alter the overall picture, in which negative assessments clearly prevail.
Public Position Beyond Political Preferences
Navasardyan believes it would be incorrect to directly link these findings to Nikol Pashinyan’s approval rating. He noted that respondents who expressed positive views are not necessarily supporters of the prime minister. Their position may instead be shaped by past disagreements with the Church or attitudes toward specific clergymen.
Nevertheless, the general conclusion remains evident. Government actions and messaging regarding the Armenian Apostolic Church do not align with the perceptions of the majority of society. Public opinion continues to stand by the Church’s institutional authority and traditional role, regardless of political preferences or circumstances.