First hearing held in criminal case against Armenian Apostolic Church’s Catholicos Karekin II

The first preliminary hearing in a historic criminal case against Catholicos Karekin II of the Armenian Apostolic Church took place on Friday, marking a significant moment in Armenia’s modern history. This is the first time criminal charges have been brought against the head of the Church. During the hearing, Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself due to a conflict of interest, highlighting the gravity and sensitivity of the case.

Karekin II and six other senior church officials face charges of obstructing the enforcement of a lawful court decision through abuse of power. The charges stem from the Church’s refusal to reinstate Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, a cleric who had publicly supported Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s reform efforts. Saroyan was dismissed in January, but a court had already ordered his reinstatement. The case underscores tensions between the Church and the government over the administration of religious institutions.

The hearing took place at the Armavir Court in Vagharshapat, where the Armenian Apostolic Church is headquartered. The location of the trial reflects the deep entanglement of religious and political institutions in Armenia. The proceedings have drawn significant attention, with opposition lawmakers condemning the charges as a violation of both the Church’s independence and the Armenian Constitution.

In a parliamentary session on Friday, opposition members criticized the charges as a “shameful day.” Marianna Gahramanyan, an MP from the Strong Armenia party, argued that the case undermines the Church’s autonomy and constitutional rights. The opposition’s response highlights the broader political implications of the trial, which has become a focal point of public discourse.

Strong Armenia party leader Narek Karapetyan announced that his party’s MPs would leave parliament to attend the hearing, underscoring the level of concern within the opposition. The decision to leave the chamber reflects the perceived importance of the case and the potential impact on the Church’s role in Armenian society.

Karekin II’s absence from the inauguration of Armenia’s new parliament marked a departure from his usual presence at such events. It was later reported that he had not been invited to the ceremony. Parliamentary Speaker Ruben Rubinyan referred to Karekin II by his birth name, Ketrich Nersisyan, signaling a shift in the political relationship between the Church and the government.

Tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the Armenian Apostolic Church have escalated since May 2025, when Pashinyan criticized the Church’s leadership for failing to maintain religious sites. Pashinyan also alleged that Karekin II violated his vow of celibacy and fathered a daughter, which would disqualify him from his position. Additionally, he accused Karekin II’s brother, Archbishop Yezras, of having ties to foreign intelligence services, posing a security threat to Armenia.

The case reflects a broader struggle between religious authority and state governance in Armenia, with implications for the Church’s autonomy and the government’s ability to enforce legal decisions. The trial continues to draw attention to the complex interplay between faith, politics, and public accountability in the country.

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