What’s happening: The Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church and six clerics face trial for allegedly defying a civil court order by not reinstating a defrocked bishop. Where: Armavir Regional Court in Vagharshapat. Why it matters: The case intensifies a high-profile feud between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Church leader Karekin II and raises concerns about political interference in church affairs and the independence of Armenia's judiciary.
Armenian Church Head and Six Clerics Go on Trial Amid Intensifying Feud With Prime Minister
Armenian Prime Minister and leader of the Civil Contract party Nikol Pashinyan holds a press conference following the parliamentary election at the party's headquarters in Yerevan early on June 8, 2026. [Karen Minasyan/AFP]
The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church and six other clerics are due to stand trial on charges that they defied a civil court order by failing to reinstate a defrocked bishop. The hearing is scheduled to open at the Armavir Regional Court in Vagharshapat, Armenia's spiritual center, where each defendant could face up to two years in prison if convicted.
Case Background
The Church removed Bishop Gevorg Saroyan in January, saying he had abused his authority and neglected his duties. Saroyan is a known ally of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan; both he and Pashinyan have publicly called for Catholicos Karekin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, to resign.
Political Context
The trial is widely viewed as the latest escalation in a bitter feud between Prime Minister Pashinyan and Catholicos Karekin II. The two figures have traded serious accusations: Karekin has criticized Pashinyan over his handling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its aftermath, while Pashinyan has accused the Catholicos and the Church of spying for Russia — allegations the prime minister has not publicly substantiated. Pashinyan also alleged that Karekin secretly fathered a child and broke his vow of celibacy; Church officials deny any wrongdoing.
Wider Concerns
Observers, opposition politicians and civil society groups say the prosecution appears politically motivated and risks undermining the constitutional independence of the Apostolic Church. Legal advocates have also expressed broader worries about the independence of the judiciary in politically sensitive cases.
"This is a clear interference of the executive power in church affairs," said Anna Melikyan, a lawyer with the Armenian nonprofit Protection of Rights Without Borders. "There are a lot of concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Armenia… and with certain politically sensitive cases, including cases against the church or clergy, these concerns become very strong."
What To Watch
The trial's outcome could deepen political polarization in Armenia and shape public confidence in both religious institutions and the judicial system. International observers and local watchdogs are expected to monitor proceedings closely for indications of political interference or procedural irregularities.
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