Armenian Church

Last updated: May 29, 2026

The Armenian Apostolic Church — sometimes referred to in Western sources as the Armenian Orthodox Church, though the Church itself uses the Apostolic designation — was founded in 301 AD when Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, making it among the world’s oldest Christian institutions. Its spiritual center is the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin , and it is led by the Catholicos of All Armenians, currently Garegin II .

Groong has covered the Armenian Church across more than 80 episodes, from its theological and cultural role in Armenian identity to its increasingly contested political position. Coverage includes the church’s response to the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war, the emergence of tensions between the Catholicosate and the Pashinyan government, and the dramatic events of 2025 in which multiple senior archbishops were arrested.

A central theme in recent coverage is the Pashinyan government’s effort to weaken the Armenian Apostolic Church under the framing of institutional reform. Critics argue that the government has used legislative and legal mechanisms to reduce the church’s influence in Armenian public life — stripping its exemptions, challenging its land holdings, and targeting clergy through the court system — in what many observers describe as a politically motivated campaign to neutralize a powerful institution that has historically commanded broad public trust.

The arrests of multiple senior clergy in 2025 form the sharpest edge of this confrontation. Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan led a mass opposition movement before his arrest in June. Archbishops Mikayel Ajapahyan and Arshak Khachatryan and Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan were also arrested later that year. These events have made the church-state relationship one of the most closely watched dimensions of Armenian domestic politics heading into the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Groong episodes that include this tag

Below are all Groong episodes tagged with Armenian Church.

Pietro Shakarian - Anastas Mikoyan, An Armenian Reformer in Khrushchev's Kremlin| Ep 480, Oct 22, 2025 [EP480]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025 | Category: Armenia, History, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, History, Armenian Genocide, USSR, Armenian Church, Russia, Genocide, China, Georgia, Turkey, Economy, NATO, Iran, Lebanon, Middle East, Ukraine, India, Soviet Armenia, Modern Armenia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Research journey, archives Moscow and Yerevan
  • Mikoyan’s vision of confederation for the USSR
  • Artsakh’s status within Soviet constraints
  • De-Stalinization and Armenia’s cultural thaw
  • Mikoyan’s stance toward the Armenian Church

Episode 480 | Recorded on October 18, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian - Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, Armenian Government Repressions | Ep 479, Oct 19, 2025 [EP479]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Iran, Armenian Church, Middle East, NATO, Syria, Genocide, European Union, China, Human Rights, Lebanon, India | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine War, Trump - Putin Upcoming Summit
  • Israel-Gaza “Cease Fire”
  • Armenian Government Repressions Accelerate

Episode 479 | Recorded: October 20, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian - Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, Armenian Government Repressions | Ep 479, Oct 19, 2025 [EP479]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, Israel, Iran, Armenian Church, Middle East, NATO, Syria, Genocide, European Union, China, Human Rights, Lebanon, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine War, Trump - Putin Upcoming Summit
  • Israel-Gaza “Cease Fire”
  • Armenian Government Repressions Accelerate

Episode 479 | Recorded: October 20, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ajapahyan Sentenced, Moldova, EPC, Peace Act, Dismantling the Armenian Military | Ep 477, Oct 5, 2025 [EP477]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, European Union, Turkey, China, Economy | Series: video, wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ajapahyan Sentenced: 2 Years in Jail for speaking out!
  • Moldova Election Lessons
  • EPC in Copenhagen, WSF in Warsaw
  • PEACE Act politics
  • Dismantling the Armenian Military

Episode 477 | Recorded: October 6, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ajapahyan Sentenced, Moldova, EPC, Peace Act, Dismantling the Armenian Military | Ep 477, Oct 5, 2025 [EP477]

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, European Union, Turkey, China, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ajapahyan Sentenced: 2 Years in Jail for speaking out!
  • Moldova Election Lessons
  • EPC in Copenhagen, WSF in Warsaw
  • PEACE Act politics
  • Dismantling the Armenian Military

Episode 477 | Recorded: October 6, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, Economy | Ep 471, Sep 7, 2025 [EP471]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Poll, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Economy, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine, India | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • War in Iran, Chapter 2?
  • Russia’s Stance on TRIPP
  • New MPG Poll in Armenia
  • Armenian Economy in H1/2025

Episode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - War on Iran, Russia on TRIPP, New MPG Poll in Armenia, Economy | Ep 471, Sep 7, 2025 [EP471]

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Poll, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Genocide, Economy, Georgia, Israel, Genocide, China, Ukraine, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • War in Iran, Chapter 2?
  • Russia’s Stance on TRIPP
  • New MPG Poll in Armenia
  • Armenian Economy in H1/2025

Episode 471 | Recorded: September 8, 2025

Lenna Hovanessian – White House Meeting Fallout, Artsakh Erasure, Genocide Dismissal, Azerbaijan Playbook in the US | Ep 470, Sep 7, 2025 [EP470]

Posted on Sunday, Sep 7, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Israel, Artsakh Blockade | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Reflections on August 8 White House Meeting
  • Tensions in Diaspora-Armenia Relations
  • Azerbaijani Lobbying, Caviar Diplomacy, and the Cuellar Bribery Case

Episode 470 | Recorded: September 5, 2025

Lenna Hovanessian – White House Meeting Fallout, Artsakh Erasure, Genocide Dismissal, Azerbaijan Playbook in the US | Ep 470, Sep 7, 2025 [EP470]

Posted on Sunday, Sep 7, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Genocide, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Israel, Artsakh Blockade

Guest:

Topics:

  • Reflections on August 8 White House Meeting
  • Tensions in Diaspora-Armenia Relations
  • Azerbaijani Lobbying, Caviar Diplomacy, and the Cuellar Bribery Case

Episode 470 | Recorded: September 5, 2025

Robert Amsterdam - In Our Own Way: The Samvel Karapetyan Case | Ep 468, Sep 4, 2025 [EP468]

Posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, NATO | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arrest of Samvel Karapetyan
  • Pre-trial detention practices
  • Lawfare and double standards
  • Armenia’s global consequences

Episode 468 | Recorded: September 4, 2025

Robert Amsterdam - In Our Own Way: The Samvel Karapetyan Case | Ep 468, Sep 4, 2025 [EP468]

Posted on Thursday, Sep 4, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Armenian Church, Russia, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Arrest of Samvel Karapetyan
  • Pre-trial detention practices
  • Lawfare and double standards
  • Armenia’s global consequences

Episode 468 | Recorded: September 4, 2025

Armen Ashotyan - Reflections on Life as a Political Prisoner, Attacks on the Church and Sovereignty | Ep 465, Aug 28, 2025 [EP465]

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Armenian Church, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Russia, India, Middle East, China, European Union, Ukraine, Azerbaijan | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Imprisonment and Political Persecution
  • International and Diaspora Response
  • Pashinyan Regime Attack on the Church
  • The Managed Capitulation Process

Episode 465 | Recorded on August 27, 2025

Armen Ashotyan - Reflections on Life as a Political Prisoner, Attacks on the Church and Sovereignty | Ep 465, Aug 28, 2025 [EP465]

Posted on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Human Rights, Armenian Church, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Russia, India, Middle East, China, European Union, Ukraine, Azerbaijan

Guest:

Topics:

  • Imprisonment and Political Persecution
  • International and Diaspora Response
  • Pashinyan Regime Attack on the Church
  • The Managed Capitulation Process

Episode 465 | Recorded on August 27, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Alaska Summit, Trump Corridor, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Our Way | Ep 463, Aug 17, 2025 [EP463]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Armenian Church, NATO | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump-Putin Alaska Summit
  • Trump Corridor Politics
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Russian-Iranian Recalibration
  • New Opposition Emerging - Our Way

Episode 463 | Recorded: August 18, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Alaska Summit, Trump Corridor, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Our Way | Ep 463, Aug 17, 2025 [EP463]

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Armenian Church, NATO

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump-Putin Alaska Summit
  • Trump Corridor Politics
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Russian-Iranian Recalibration
  • New Opposition Emerging - Our Way

Episode 463 | Recorded: August 18, 2025

Christine Arakelian - Pashinyan vs. the Church, India Armenia, NGOs and Foreign Influence | Ep 462, Aug 17, 2025 [EP462]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Armenian Church, Human Rights, Russia, India, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Economy | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church
  • Indian-Armenian Relations
  • NGOs and Foreign Influence
  • U.S. Geopolitics and the Trump Corridor

Episode 462 | Recorded: August 15, 2025

Christine Arakelian - Pashinyan vs. the Church, India Armenia, NGOs and Foreign Influence | Ep 462, Aug 17, 2025 [EP462]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Armenian Church, Human Rights, Russia, India, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan vs. The Armenian Church
  • Indian-Armenian Relations
  • NGOs and Foreign Influence
  • U.S. Geopolitics and the Trump Corridor

Episode 462 | Recorded: August 15, 2025

Stanislav Krapivnik - The Evolving World Order, Russia, and the South Caucasus | Ep 458, Aug 9, 2025 [EP458]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Israel | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump, Pashinyan, Aliyev DC Summit
  • Ukraine War and the Shifting World Order
  • Russia and the South Caucasus

Episode 458 | Recorded: August 9, 2025

Stanislav Krapivnik - The Evolving World Order, Russia, and the South Caucasus | Ep 458, Aug 9, 2025 [EP458]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • Trump, Pashinyan, Aliyev DC Summit
  • Ukraine War and the Shifting World Order
  • Russia and the South Caucasus

Episode 458 | Recorded: August 9, 2025

Transcript: Stanislav Krapivnik - The Evolving World Order, Russia, and the South Caucasus | Ep 458, Aug 9, 2025 [EP458]

Posted on Sunday, Aug 10, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Russia, Iran, NATO, Turkey, Economy, Israel, Transcript

In this episode, former U.S. Army officer and military-political analyst Stanislav Krapivnik discusses the geopolitical fallout from the Trump-Pashinyan-Aliyev summit in Washington, which saw the announcement of a “peace” framework, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, U.S. plans for a 99-year “Trump Corridor” across Armenia, and the dropping of Section 907 to allow arms sales to Azerbaijan. He examines Russia’s heavy focus on the Ukraine war at the expense of the South Caucasus, the loss of Russian leverage over Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the growing role of Turkey. Krapivnik warns of  Read More

Benyamin Poghosyan - Public Trust in Freefall, Church on the Rise, and Corridor Pressures Mount | Ep 456, Jul 27, 2025 [EP456]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, China, India, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Economy, Syria | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Corridor Logic
  • Crackdown Logic
  • IRI Poll
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 456 | Recorded: July 28, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Public Trust in Freefall, Church on the Rise, and Corridor Pressures Mount | Ep 456, Jul 27, 2025 [EP456]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Poll, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, Israel, China, India, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Economy, Syria

Guest:

Topics:

  • Corridor Logic
  • Crackdown Logic
  • IRI Poll
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations

Episode 456 | Recorded: July 28, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Artsakh Negotiations, Armenian Domestic Politics | Ep 455, Jul 27, 2025 [EP455]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Human Rights, Ukraine, Genocide | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Negotiations
  • Armenian Domestic Politics

Episode 455 | Recorded: July 25, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Artsakh Negotiations, Armenian Domestic Politics | Ep 455, Jul 27, 2025 [EP455]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Armenian Church, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Human Rights, Ukraine, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Artsakh Negotiations
  • Armenian Domestic Politics

Episode 455 | Recorded: July 25, 2025

Archil Sikharulidze - Why does Georgia matter for the EU | Ep 454, Jul 24, 2025 [EP454]

Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, USA, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Iran, China, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Economy, Human Rights, India, Israel | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • EU Strategy in the South Caucasus
  • Attacks on the National Church
  • 2025 Local Election Politics

Episode 454 | Recorded: July 22, 2025

Archil Sikharulidze - Why does Georgia matter for the EU | Ep 454, Jul 24, 2025 [EP454]

Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 | Category: Georgia, Politics, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, USA, Armenian Church, Nagorno Karabakh, European Union, Iran, China, Turkey, Ukraine, NATO, Economy, Human Rights, India, Israel

Guest:

Topics:

  • EU Strategy in the South Caucasus
  • Attacks on the National Church
  • 2025 Local Election Politics

Episode 454 | Recorded: July 22, 2025

Pashinyan Meets Aliyev as Armenia Cracks Down on Opposition and Church | Ep 453, Jul 13, 2025 [EP453]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Iran, Economy, Israel, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine | Series: wir, video

Topics:

  • Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
  • Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition

Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025

Pashinyan Meets Aliyev as Armenia Cracks Down on Opposition and Church | Ep 453, Jul 13, 2025 [EP453]

Posted on Sunday, Jul 13, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Iran, Economy, Israel, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine

Topics:

  • Pashinyan meets Aliyev in Abu Dhabi
  • Continued Persecution of Church and Opposition

Episode 453 | Recorded: July 13, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Constitution, Western Controlled Syunik, Church Crackdown | Ep 452, Jul 6, 2025 [EP452]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, NATO, China, Economy, Genocide | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Constitution Day
  • Western Controlled Syunik?
  • What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

Arthur Martirosyan - Constitution, Western Controlled Syunik, Church Crackdown | Ep 452, Jul 6, 2025 [EP452]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Ukraine, NATO, China, Economy, Genocide

Guest:

Topics:

  • Constitution Day
  • Western Controlled Syunik?
  • What was Kallas Doing in Yerevan?
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Relations
  • Coup d’Etat? Or Coup d’Église?
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 452 | Recorded: July 7, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian – Fallout from Israel’s War on Iran, Azerbaijan’s Confrontation with Russia, Pashinyan’s Persecution of the Armenian Church, while he courts the EU | Ep 451 [EP451]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Israel, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Georgia, Russia, Economy | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions
  • Russian-Armenian Relations
  • Persecution of The Church Continues
  • Kaja Kallas in Armenia
  • OIC Declaration

Episode 451 | Recorded: June 30, 2025

Dziunik Aghajanian – Fallout from Israel’s War on Iran, Azerbaijan’s Confrontation with Russia, Pashinyan’s Persecution of the Armenian Church, while he courts the EU | Ep 451 [EP451]

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, USA, Israel, Armenian Church, Artsakh, Georgia, Russia, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Iran War
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
  • Russian-Azerbaijani Tensions
  • Russian-Armenian Relations
  • Persecution of The Church Continues
  • Kaja Kallas in Armenia
  • OIC Declaration

Episode 451 | Recorded: June 30, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Israel & Iran, Opposition Crackdown, Pashinyan in Istanbul | Ep 449, Jun 22, 2025 [EP449]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Economy, China, Middle East | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israel and Iran
  • Crackdown on the Opposition
  • Pashinyan in Istanbul
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 449 | Recorded: June 25, 2025

Sergei Melkonian - Israel & Iran, Opposition Crackdown, Pashinyan in Istanbul | Ep 449, Jun 22, 2025 [EP449]

Posted on Thursday, Jun 26, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Israel, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Economy, China, Middle East

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israel and Iran
  • Crackdown on the Opposition
  • Pashinyan in Istanbul
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 449 | Recorded: June 25, 2025

Fyodor Lukyanov - Israel Attacks Iran: Perspectives From Russia | Ep 447, Jun 16, 2025 [EP447]

Posted on Monday, Jun 16, 2025 | Category: Iran, Russia, Armenia, Israel, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Geopolitics, Turkey, Ukraine, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, NATO, China, Syria, Middle East, Economy | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israel hits Iran, talks collapse
  • Armenia at risk if Iran weakens
  • Russia hardens stance on Ukraine

Episode 447 | Recorded: June 15, 2025

Fyodor Lukyanov - Israel Attacks Iran: Perspectives From Russia | Ep 447, Jun 16, 2025 [EP447]

Posted on Monday, Jun 16, 2025 | Category: Iran, Russia, Armenia, Israel, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Geopolitics, Turkey, Ukraine, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, NATO, China, Syria, Middle East, Economy

Guest:

Topics:

  • Israel hits Iran, talks collapse
  • Armenia at risk if Iran weakens
  • Russia hardens stance on Ukraine

Episode 447 | Recorded: June 15, 2025

Transcript: Fyodor Lukyanov - Israel Attacks Iran: Perspectives From Russia | Ep 447, Jun 16, 2025 [EP447]

Posted on Monday, Jun 16, 2025 | Category: Iran, Russia, Armenia, Israel, Politics, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Geopolitics, Turkey, Ukraine, Armenian Church, Artsakh Blockade, NATO, China, Syria, Middle East, Economy, Transcript

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we speak with Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, to analyze the geopolitical fallout from Israel’s surprise military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion. We explore how the attacks may sabotage U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, shift Russia’s strategic calculus, and destabilize the South Caucasus—particularly Armenia’s Syunik province. We also examine the implications for Russia-Iran relations, the Zangezur corridor, and Azerbaijan’s military posture. Finally, we discuss Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, recent  Read More

Hrant Mikaelian - Poland’s Shift, RPA’s Nominee, Economy, Demographics | Ep 444, June 8, 2025 [EP444]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia, Geopolitics, India, Armenian Church, Georgia, Economy, Turkey, NATO, Iran | Series: wir, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s War, Poland’s Pivot?
  • Status Check on the Economy
  • RPA Names PM Candidate
  • Armenia’s Demographic Threats
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Poland’s Shift, RPA’s Nominee, Economy, Demographics | Ep 444, June 8, 2025 [EP444]

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 11, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia, Geopolitics, India, Armenian Church, Georgia, Economy, Turkey, NATO, Iran

Guest:

Topics:

  • Ukraine’s War, Poland’s Pivot?
  • Status Check on the Economy
  • RPA Names PM Candidate
  • Armenia’s Demographic Threats
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 444 | Recorded: June 9, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine and US-Iran, Fidan in Moscow, Lachin, Azerbaijan and Pashinyan attack Armenian Church, Impeachment vs. Elections | Ep 442, June 1, 2025 [EP442]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, India, Israel, China, Syria, Economy, European Union | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Status of Ukraine and US-Iran Crises
  • Hakan Fidan in Moscow
  • Erdogan, Aliyev, Sharif in Lachin
  • Azerbaijan and Pashinyan Attack the Armenian Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 442 | Recorded: June 2, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Ukraine and US-Iran, Fidan in Moscow, Lachin, Azerbaijan and Pashinyan attack Armenian Church, Impeachment vs. Elections | Ep 442, June 1, 2025 [EP442]

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 3, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Iran, Geopolitics, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, India, Israel, China, Syria, Economy, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Status of Ukraine and US-Iran Crises
  • Hakan Fidan in Moscow
  • Erdogan, Aliyev, Sharif in Lachin
  • Azerbaijan and Pashinyan Attack the Armenian Church
  • Impeachment vs. Elections
  • The Kitchen Sink

Episode 442 | Recorded: June 2, 2025

Arthur G Martirosyan - Victory Day, India Pakistan, Armenia Azerbaijan, Pope Leo XIV | Ep 435, May 11, 2025 [EP435]

Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, India, Turkey, China, Genocide, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, Economy, Georgia | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 9 Victory Parade
  • Ukraine
  • India and Pakistan
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Talks
  • American Pope

Episode 435 | Recorded: May 12, 2025

Arthur G Martirosyan - Victory Day, India Pakistan, Armenia Azerbaijan, Pope Leo XIV | Ep 435, May 11, 2025 [EP435]

Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, India, Turkey, China, Genocide, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, Economy, Georgia

Guest:

Topics:

  • May 9 Victory Parade
  • Ukraine
  • India and Pakistan
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Talks
  • American Pope

Episode 435 | Recorded: May 12, 2025

Alberto M. Fernandez – Vatican-Baku Partnership & Erosion of Moral Authority | Ep 431, Apr 29, 2025 [EP431]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, World, Vatican, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Iran, Armenian Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, Syria, Genocide, Turkey, Russia, Middle East, Lebanon, Human Rights, Georgia, Israel, China, India, NATO, Ukraine | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Vatican’s alliance with Azerbaijan
  • Whitewashing of Artsakh’s ethnic cleansing
  • Global silence on Armenian Genocide
  • U.S. policy under Trump and risks to Armenia

Episode 431 | Recorded: April 29, 2025

Alberto M. Fernandez – Vatican-Baku Partnership & Erosion of Moral Authority | Ep 431, Apr 29, 2025 [EP431]

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025 | Category: Armenia, World, Vatican, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian Church, Iran, Armenian Genocide, Artsakh Blockade, Syria, Genocide, Turkey, Russia, Middle East, Lebanon, Human Rights, Georgia, Israel, China, India, NATO, Ukraine

Guest:

Topics:

  • Vatican’s alliance with Azerbaijan
  • Whitewashing of Artsakh’s ethnic cleansing
  • Global silence on Armenian Genocide
  • U.S. policy under Trump and risks to Armenia

Episode 431 | Recorded: April 29, 2025

Vatican Betrays Armenians, Aids Azerbaijani Propaganda (Hadjian & Matiossian) | Ep 430, Apr 29, 2025 [EP430]

Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, World, Vatican, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, Genocide, Turkey, China, Iran, Israel, Russia | Series: cog, video

Guest:

Topics:

  • Vatican Hosts Fake Azeri Conference
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda and Cultural Misappropriation
  • Weakness and Silent Complicity of the Armenian State

Episode 430 | Recorded: April 26, 2025

Vatican Betrays Armenians, Aids Azerbaijani Propaganda (Hadjian & Matiossian) | Ep 430, Apr 29, 2025 [EP430]

Posted on Monday, Apr 28, 2025 | Category: Armenia, World, Vatican, Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, Armenian Genocide, Armenian Church, Genocide, Turkey, China, Iran, Israel, Russia

Guest:

Topics:

  • Vatican Hosts Fake Azeri Conference
  • Azerbaijani Propaganda and Cultural Misappropriation
  • Weakness and Silent Complicity of the Armenian State

Episode 430 | Recorded: April 26, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran, EXIM and Azerbaijan, Gyumri, Artsakh Refugees in Armenia | Ep 429, Apr 20, 2025 [EP429]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Genocide, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Israel, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, China, European Union, Economy, Georgia, NATO, Geopolitics, Human Rights | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Talks & Israeli Threats
  • Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations & Corridor Demands
  • Vatican Controversy & Global Anti-Armenian Propaganda
  • Local Elections in Gyumri and Parakar
  • Government-Fueled Hate Against Artsakh Refugees

Episode 429 | Recorded: April 22, 2025

Hrant Mikaelian - Iran, EXIM and Azerbaijan, Gyumri, Artsakh Refugees in Armenia | Ep 429, Apr 20, 2025 [EP429]

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Vatican, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Genocide, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, Russia, Israel, Turkey, Ukraine, Middle East, China, European Union, Economy, Georgia, NATO, Geopolitics, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • US-Iran Talks & Israeli Threats
  • Trump Administration Support for Azerbaijan
  • Iran-Azerbaijan Relations & Corridor Demands
  • Vatican Controversy & Global Anti-Armenian Propaganda
  • Local Elections in Gyumri and Parakar
  • Government-Fueled Hate Against Artsakh Refugees

Episode 429 | Recorded: April 22, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Mirzoyan in Moscow, Kostanyan in Tehran, Mher Grigoryan on the Border, FIS Annual Report, Silence of the Lambs | Ep 409, Jan 26, 2025 [EP408]

Posted on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Economy, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, European Union, Genocide, Syria, Lebanon, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine, Human Rights | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Mirzoyan in Moscow
  • Vahan Kostanyan in Tehran
  • Mher Grigoryan on the Border (concessions)
  • FIS Annual Report 2025
  • The Silence of the Lambs

Episode 408 | Recorded: January 29, 2025

Arthur Khachatryan - Mirzoyan in Moscow, Kostanyan in Tehran, Mher Grigoryan on the Border, FIS Annual Report, Silence of the Lambs | Ep 409, Jan 26, 2025 [EP408]

Posted on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Economy, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide, Iran, European Union, Genocide, Syria, Lebanon, NATO, Middle East, Ukraine, Human Rights

Guest:

Topics:

  • Mirzoyan in Moscow
  • Vahan Kostanyan in Tehran
  • Mher Grigoryan on the Border (concessions)
  • FIS Annual Report 2025
  • The Silence of the Lambs

Episode 408 | Recorded: January 29, 2025

Benyamin Poghosyan - Pashinyan Lies on Decades of Negotiations, 17 Points to an Agreement, 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook | Ep 403 - Dec 29, 2024 [EP403]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Middle East, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Genocide, Geopolitics, China, Georgia, European Union | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s Lies on Decades of Negotiations
  • 17 Points to an Agreement
  • 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook

Episode 403 | Recorded: December 31, 2024

Benyamin Poghosyan - Pashinyan Lies on Decades of Negotiations, 17 Points to an Agreement, 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook | Ep 403 - Dec 29, 2024 [EP403]

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Middle East, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Armenian Church, Ukraine, Genocide, Geopolitics, China, Georgia, European Union

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s Lies on Decades of Negotiations
  • 17 Points to an Agreement
  • 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook

Episode 403 | Recorded: December 31, 2024

Suren Sargsyan - Armenia and Trump’s Election as President Again | Ep 384 - Nov 9, 2024 [EP384]

Posted on Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, USA, Middle East, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Israel, Lebanon, Genocide, Armenian Church, China, Russia, NATO, Iran, Economy, Human Rights | Series: cog

Guest:

Topic:

  • Armenia, Armenian Americans, Artsakh
  • Ukraine War, NATO, China
  • Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran

Episode 384 | Recorded: April 3, 2023

Suren Sargsyan - Armenia and Trump’s Election as President Again | Ep 384 - Nov 9, 2024 [EP384]

Posted on Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, USA, Middle East, Ukraine, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Israel, Lebanon, Genocide, Armenian Church, China, Russia, NATO, Iran, Economy, Human Rights

Guest:

Topic:

  • Armenia, Armenian Americans, Artsakh
  • Ukraine War, NATO, China
  • Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Iran

Episode 384 | Recorded: April 3, 2023

Sergei Melkonian - Armenia Azerbaijan, Moldova Georgia Elections, Iran Russia, BRICS in Kazan, Russia | Ep 376 - Oct 20, 2024 [EP376]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Turkey, Iran, USA, Israel, Lebanon, Armenian Church, BRICS, Middle East, Syria, China, Ukraine, Genocide, Human Rights, European Union, Geopolitics | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Talks
  • Elections in Moldova and Georgia
  • Iran Russia Relations
  • BRICS Summit in Kaza, Russia

Episode 376 | Recorded: October 20, 2024

Sergei Melkonian - Armenia Azerbaijan, Moldova Georgia Elections, Iran Russia, BRICS in Kazan, Russia | Ep 376 - Oct 20, 2024 [EP376]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Turkey, Iran, USA, Israel, Lebanon, Armenian Church, BRICS, Middle East, Syria, China, Ukraine, Genocide, Human Rights, European Union, Geopolitics

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia Azerbaijan Talks
  • Elections in Moldova and Georgia
  • Iran Russia Relations
  • BRICS Summit in Kaza, Russia

Episode 376 | Recorded: October 20, 2024

Hrant Mikaelian - Commemorating the 44-Day War, Armenia Azerbaijan Talks, Draft 2025 State Budget, | Ep 371 - Sep 29, 2024 [EP371]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Economy, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Armenian Church, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, European Union, India | Series: wir

Guest:

Topics:

  • Tavush Protests Gain Momentum
  • Pashinyan Pressing Ahead with Land Concessions
  • Poll Results on Tavush Protests

Episode 371 | Recorded: September 30, 2024

Hrant Mikaelian - Commemorating the 44-Day War, Armenia Azerbaijan Talks, Draft 2025 State Budget, | Ep 371 - Sep 29, 2024 [EP371]

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 1, 2024 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Economy, Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Armenian Church, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, European Union, India

Guest:

Topics:

  • Tavush Protests Gain Momentum
  • Pashinyan Pressing Ahead with Land Concessions
  • Poll Results on Tavush Protests

Episode 371 | Recorded: September 30, 2024

David Darchiashvili - Georgian Elections in October 2024| Ep 363 - Sep 14, 2024 [EP363]

Posted on Saturday, Sep 14, 2024 | Category: Georgia, Armenia, Elections, Azerbaijan, Russia, USA, Human Rights, Armenian Church, European Union, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Economy, NATO, China | Series: cog

Guest:

Topics:

  • Election and Politics, and The Geopolitical Context
  • Who are the Major External Influencers in Georgia’s Politics?
  • Why is the EU hell bent against the Law on “Foreign Agents”?
  • Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Russia Relations

Episode 363 | Recorded: September 11, 2024