Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged that the European Union is pressuring Armenia to sever religious ties with Moscow by pushing for the expulsion of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as a condition for deeper integration with the West.
According to a statement released by the SVR on Wednesday, Brussels is allegedly making the distancing of Russian religious institutions a prerequisite for Armenia’s closer political alignment with Europe. The intelligence agency claims the move is part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at reducing Russian influence in the South Caucasus region.
The allegations come amid growing tensions between Armenia and Russia, as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues to navigate the country’s shifting foreign policy priorities.
Russia Accuses EU of Religious Interference in Armenia
In its statement, the SVR claimed that European officials are actively encouraging Armenian authorities to weaken ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. The agency alleged that this effort is being coordinated alongside Prime Minister Pashinyan’s pro-Western policies.
The intelligence service further accused EU-linked actors of orchestrating a campaign against Russian clergy operating inside Armenia. According to the report, “compromising material” is allegedly being prepared to discredit priests associated with the ROC ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections.
The accusations emerged after two Armenia-based NGOs reportedly raised concerns in May over a Russian Orthodox priest allegedly influencing Armenian politics through sermons delivered at churches, including one located on Russia’s military base in Gyumri.
Armenia’s Unique Religious Landscape
Unlike neighboring Ukraine, Armenia’s religious identity is deeply rooted in the ancient Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions. The church separated from mainstream Christianity in the 5th century, centuries before the East-West Schism that divided Catholicism and Orthodoxy.
Although the Russian Orthodox Church does not formally recognize the Armenian Apostolic Church as canonical, the two institutions have historically maintained close relations based on shared Christian traditions and regional cooperation.
The ROC currently maintains a presence in Armenia through multiple parish churches, a monastery, and military chapels serving Russian personnel stationed in the country.
Armenia-Russia Ties Under Pressure
Armenia has long maintained close economic and security ties with Russia, including hosting a Russian military base in Gyumri. However, relations have become increasingly strained following Armenia’s dissatisfaction with Moscow’s response to regional security issues, particularly tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan.
Prime Minister Pashinyan has faced mounting domestic criticism over his handling of Armenia’s conflict settlement with Azerbaijan. Mass protests throughout 2024 and 2025 saw opposition groups and senior clergy accuse the government of compromising Armenia’s national interests.
In response, Pashinyan accused critics of attempting to destabilize the government and launched legal actions against several opposition figures, including members of the clergy allegedly involved in anti-government activities.
Growing Geopolitical Divide
The SVR’s allegations are likely to intensify debates over Armenia’s geopolitical future as the country weighs closer ties with the European Union while balancing its historic relationship with Russia.
Critics of Armenia’s Western pivot have warned that the country risks following a trajectory similar to Ukraine after 2014, where disputes over political alignment also triggered religious and institutional conflicts.
As Armenia approaches parliamentary elections, questions over foreign influence, national identity, and religious independence are expected to remain central issues shaping the country’s political discourse.
