Armenian Apostolic Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Signs Statement Urging Armenian Authorities to Stop Church Persecution

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a prominent figure in the Armenian Apostolic Church, has shifted his stance toward Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, according to a recent statement issued by the bishops’ gathering held in Austria. Previously, Derderian had supported Pashinyan’s church reform agenda, which aimed to remove Catholicos Karekin II from power. The latest statement, released on Thursday evening, urges Armenian authorities to halt what it describes as the persecution of the Church.

The bishops’ meeting, initially planned as a synod, was held in Austria due to the absence of Karekin II. Armenian authorities had barred the Catholicos from leaving the country as part of a criminal case initiated in January. Karekin II has been under investigation since February 14, following accusations that he sought to undermine the government’s authority.

Pashinyan had previously accused the Church of attempting to remove the Catholicosate from Armenia by convening the bishops’ synod abroad. In response, he vowed to take further measures if necessary. The bishops’ statement, however, expresses deep concern over the escalating conflict between the Church and the Armenian government, labeling the situation as both undesirable and perilous.

They called on Armenian authorities to cease what they describe as the persecution of the Church, respecting its centuries-old sovereignty and autonomy. The bishops also urged an end to the repression of clergy and Karekin II, which they claim is based on fabricated charges and slander. The statement further called for the release of detained clergy and those who have spoken out in defense of the Church, including Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, who is currently under house arrest.

The bishops also emphasized the need for authorities to act in accordance with the Armenian constitution and legislation, resolving existing issues through dialogue without preconditions. The statement appears to be a subtle critique of Pashinyan’s efforts to challenge Karekin II’s leadership.

Among those present at the gathering were ten senior priests who had previously called for Karekin II’s resignation in November 2025. These priests, including Bishop Gevorg Saroyan and Archbishop Derderian, had also signed Pashinyan’s church reform agenda in January. The Church defrocked Saroyan in January, highlighting the internal divisions within the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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