The situation around the Armenian Apostolic Church is developing according to “foreign scenarios” and is largely provoked from outside. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated this during Tuesday’s press briefing, referring to the events unfolding around the Armenian Apostolic Church and the pending trial of six members of its Supreme Spiritual Council.

The question also concerned allegations of interference by Western organizations in the situation in Armenia. In particular, the news of a phone conversation between the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Russian pranksters was mentioned, during which the possibility of assisting in the dismissal of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II was allegedly discussed. According to the interlocutor, one of the main accusations against the Catholicos is his alleged pro-Russianness.

“This is very important. Therefore, I would like to emphasize once again that this is truly the business of Armenia and the citizens of Armenia,” Zakharova said. According to her, what is happening, first of all, concerns the Armenians themselves, their church, people, and culture.

“I think I will not sin against my conscience if I say that this is the business of the Armenians as representatives of both their church and their people and culture. This is definitely so. But, excuse me, you also phrased it quite accurately,” the Russian MFA spokesperson said. Zakharova claimed that all this is reminiscent of scenarios that have already been used in other countries.

“These are templates that are being put into practice. The point is not that the situation in this or that area is critical. Various states and structures are going through crises,” she noted. The Russian MFA spokesperson recalled that in the history of the church or various religious movements there have been many times both splits and conflicts, which were followed by reconciliations.

“Excuse me, but in the history of the church or religious, confessional trends and teachings, how many splits and riots have there been, and how many subsequent unifications and reconciliations? And for this there are all the opportunities that are created by international organizations,” Zakharova said.

At the same time, however, she accused external actors of attempts to destroy such pillars that are of vital importance for the citizens of Armenia. “But we see literally criminal patterns being used by external actors, which is no longer just interference in internal affairs.

This is the destruction of everything that constitutes the essence, foundation, and support not of other states located on the territory of Armenia, but of the citizens of Armenia itself,” she emphasized. In her opinion, international organizations should support overcoming crises and resolving conflicts, and their intervention in internal affairs is permissible only in appropriate cases; for example, based on the state’s request.

"As for the role of international organizations, in general, their role is to assist in overcoming crisis situations. If we are talking about internal issues, then this is done on the basis of a petition, when the state itself asks it, or when the conflict is between states," the Russian MFA spokesperson noted.

She added that in cases where the situation goes beyond the borders of one state and touches upon security and international stability, the international organizations and instruments intended for this are put into action. "That is precisely why international structures are created, with their set of tools aimed at international stability and security. That is their purpose," Zakharova added.

According to her, international organizations should deal with crisis management, support, prevention, provision of assistance and accumulation of experience. At the same time, Zakharova considered it unacceptable that representatives of international organizations adopt a position that contributes to the deepening of the internal crisis. “It is impermissible when representatives of international organizations—I mean the secretariat and, especially, the leaders, who, among other things, feed on the funds of member states—not only interfere in the affairs of the country, people and state, but also demonstrate a position aimed at aggravating the crisis,” she said.

Zakharova especially singled out the Armenian Apostolic Church, calling it a “traditional denomination” and emphasizing its antiquity and power. “Especially when it comes to such a powerful, such an ancient traditional denomination as the Armenian Church,” she said.

In addition, Zakharova recalled that Russia also faced a similar problem, adding that the role of external influence was also noticeable in it at one time. She once again reaffirmed her belief that the events taking place in Armenia are of external origin. "So you are, of course, absolutely right: everything is injected from the outside and made according to foreign templates," she emphasized.

At the same time, however, Zakharova expressed hope that the Armenian people will be able to overcome the current situation without tragic consequences. "But I sincerely hope that the Armenian people will find wisdom and strength within themselves to overcome this terrible provocative history, and it will not end in tragedy," the Russian MFA spox concluded.