# Armenian government and Church leadership conflict > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/armenian-government-and-church-leadership-conflict > Updated: 2026-09-18T15:15:53.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Armenian government and the Armenian Apostolic Church have entered a period of intense conflict following state policies aimed at the removal of the Church’s leadership. The tension originated from a government programme approved by the National Assembly that included a commitment to unilaterally remove the head of the Church. While government spokesperson Melanya Harutyunyan stated the aim was to “restore the normal functioning of the Church’s own bodies,” the Church’s Supreme Spiritual Council condemned the move, arguing the National Assembly lacks the constitutional competence to interfere in religious autonomy. The situation escalated into legal proceedings against the head of the Church, Catholicos Garegin II, and six high-ranking bishops. Prosecutors have leveled accusations including violations of celibacy, involvement in political activities, and ties to foreign intelligence services. The Church maintains these legal actions are “politically motivated,” noting that tensions intensified after Garegin II called for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation following Armenia’s military defeat in a conflict with Azerbaijan. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Armenia begins trial of church leader Garegin II and six bishops Armenia has begun legal proceedings against Catholicos Garegin II and six bishops, escalating a political conflict between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armenia-begins-trial-of-church-leader-garegin-ii-and-six-bishops ### 2026-09-09: Armenian government faces conflict with Church over leadership removal The Armenian government's policy to remove Catholicos Karekin II has sparked a conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church over religious autonomy and state authority. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/armenian-government-faces-conflict-with-church-over-leadership-removal --- Cite as: Armenian government and Church leadership conflict. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/armenian-government-and-church-leadership-conflict