Armenian Catholicos Karekin II faces criminal trial

A criminal trial has commenced in Vagharshapat against Catholicos Karekin II and several high-ranking members of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The defendants, which include two archbishops and four bishops, face charges of obstructing the execution of a civil court decision regarding the reinstatement of Bishop Gevorg Saryan, who had been removed from office by church authorities in early 2026. If convicted, the defendants face up to two years in prison.

The trial, which began on August 7, 2026, was briefly interrupted when Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself, necessitating the transfer of the case to another judge.

The legal proceedings reflect an escalating conflict between the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Earlier in 2026, Pashinyan introduced a roadmap for ecclesiastical reforms that included proposals for the removal of the Catholicos and the creation of a coordinating council to manage church institutions. The Prime Minister has repeatedly called for the resignation of Karekin II, stating he is no longer fit for service.