Armenian government and Apostolic Church conflict

The relationship between the Armenian Apostolic Church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government has deteriorated into a significant legal and political confrontation. The dispute intensified in May 2025 following government accusations that Catholicos Karekin II violated his vow of celibacy, leading to calls for his resignation.

Since then, the government has pursued various legal actions against church leadership. In September 2025, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan was sentenced to two years in prison for allegedly encouraging the “undemocratic overthrow of the government.” Supporters of the church report that between one-third and one-half of the denomination’s bishops have been arrested, and Karekin II has been restricted from traveling abroad.

By August 2026, criminal proceedings began in Vagharshapat against Karekin II and six senior clergymen, including two archbishops and four bishops of the Supreme Spiritual Council. The defendants face up to two years in prison for allegedly obstructing a judicial act by failing to execute a court order to reinstate Gevorg Saroyan, a former Primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese. During the initial hearing at the Armavir Region First Instance Court, the presiding judge recused himself from the case. Legal observers have noted that the prosecution may violate religious autonomy protections guaranteed under the Armenian Constitution and the Religion Law.

International religious bodies have responded to the situation. The World Council of Churches expressed concern regarding “undue influence” and interference in church affairs, while the Patriarchate of Armenians in Turkey stated that holding religious leaders accountable before secular authorities “offends the honor of the Armenian Church.”