Archbishop Yezras Nersissian, the Primate of the Diocese of Russia and New Nakhichevan of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the brother of Catholicos Karekin II, was a KGB agent in Soviet times, according to National Security Service (NSS) Director Andranik Simonyan.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Simonyan appeared to echo Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s accusations questioning Karekin II’s legitimacy by referring to him by his secular name, Ktrij Nersissian.

“Ktrij Nersissian’s brother was a Soviet KGB agent, and the NSS has publicized this fact,” Simonyan said.

The NSS earlier told Civic.am that, according to the information at its disposal, Archbishop Yezras Nersissian collaborated with the USSR State Security Committee (KGB) between 1986 and 1988.

According to the NSS, the available data also indicate that Archbishop Yezras Nersissian currently maintains contacts with representatives of foreign intelligence services, which, in the agency’s assessment, may pose a threat to the security and interests of the Republic of Armenia.

Earlier this year, Archbishop Yezras Nersissian denied having been a KGB agent.