Catholicos Karekin II, the spiritual leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has gone on trial in Armenia alongside six senior archbishops and bishops.

They face charges of abuse of power and defying a civil court order to reinstate a defrocked bishop. This historic legal action highlights deep political tensions with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government.

The media in the Armavir Provincial are unable to cover the court hearing, as there is no room in the courtroom. Other coverage conditions are not provided, for example, through monitors, which would allow for following the proceedings of the hearing. The bailiffs announced that there are journalists from several media outlets in the courtroom.

Ten minutes after the hearing began, the bailiffs and police announced that the hearing was being held behind closed doors.

According to the indictment, on January 15, 2026, former Masyatsotn Diocese head Arman Saroyan asked the court to annul the Catholicos’ dismissal decree, reinstate him, and secure his claim. The next day, the Armavir Court accepted the case and ordered the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and others not to obstruct Saroyan’s role until a final ruling, including his authority over diocesan finances and transactions.

Nevertheless, the Supreme Spiritual Council, chaired by Karekin II, reviewed Arman Saroyan’s public statements, deemed them a break with the Mother See and a violation of his vow of obedience, and unanimously recommended that the Catholicos declare him deposed. Karekin II approved the recommendation, stripping Saroyan of his spiritual rank and, therefore, his authority as diocesan head.

Investigators concluded that these actions deliberately obstructed enforcement of the court order, which had already barred any interference with Saroyan’s tenure.

The defendants, now under a domestic travel ban, face up to two years in prison if convicted.

Photo: Narek Aleksanyan