In a courtroom spectacle that underscores the ongoing tension between Armenia’s government and its influential religious institution, the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church appeared before judges on Friday. Catholicos Karekin II, along with six senior clergymen, faces legal accusations amid a backdrop of political and social discord in the nation.
The charges against Karekin and the clerics stem from their refusal to comply with a court order to reinstate a defrocked bishop. This legal battle is seen as emblematic of the ongoing confrontation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration. The potential consequences are severe, with the accused facing up to two years of imprisonment if found guilty.
Escalating Tensions between Church and State
The relationship between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the government has been fraught with tension since 2024. A significant flashpoint occurred when mass protests, led by a prominent cleric, erupted against Pashinyan’s decision to cede control of several border villages to Azerbaijan. This move aimed at normalizing relations with Azerbaijan was met with fierce opposition from many clergy members who criticized Pashinyan’s governance.
In recent years, some senior clerics have faced government actions perceived as a crackdown, reflecting the strained relations between church leaders and the administration that rose to power on a wave of democratic enthusiasm in 2018.
Judicial Developments and Public Reactions
During the initial court session held in Vagharshapat, also known as Etchmiadzin, the judge presiding over the case recused himself. Karekin’s lawyer, Ara Zograbyan, welcomed the decision, stating, “I welcome this move by the judge, because in effect he refused to become a part of this shameful proceeding.” The case will now be reassigned to a different judge.
Hundreds of supporters rallied outside the courthouse, including opposition party members, clergy, and NGO representatives. Samvel Karapetyan of the pro-Russian Strong Armenia party criticized the prosecution, labeling it a “national disgrace.”
Origins of the Legal Conflict
The controversy originated with the defrocking of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who had previously advocated for Karekin’s removal. After Saroyan contested his dismissal, a court ruled in his favor, but the church refused to comply. As a result, the Prosecutor General’s office initiated legal proceedings against Karekin and other church officials.
Two other high-ranking clerics, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan and Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, have also faced legal challenges. Ajapahyan was convicted for calling for governmental overthrow, while Galstanyan remains under house arrest on charges related to anti-government activities.
Defending Religious Autonomy
In a firm rebuttal during an evening service, Karekin condemned the legal actions as an attack on the church’s independence. “These days the authorities take steps to undermine the church’s authority, restrict its autonomy and subjugate it to their will,” he asserted, emphasizing the church’s crucial role in Armenia’s well-being.
Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan, another defendant, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the church’s resistance to becoming a state-controlled entity.
