The situation at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin became tense a short time ago when a large number of masked officers from the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia broke into the area.

A clash ensued between the NSS officers and clergy, the Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent reports from the scene.

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II tried to calm the clergy, after which NSS officers surrounded the Catholicos.

At the moment, there are also a large number of police forces on the Mother See grounds.

The situation continues to remain tense.