The trial of Catholicos Karekin II and five clergymen has drawn criticism, particularly from religious institutions. The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey issued a written statement on Monday, August 10, criticizing the legal proceedings.
The statement reads:
"It is a known fact that the negative attitude adopted toward the Armenian Apostolic Church in recent times has been a source of deep sorrow for our people living in Armenia and in the diaspora. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has for centuries been a force of attraction for our people in terms of faith and a cornerstone of our national and religious unity. The Armenian Church continues to serve its nation in the spirit of Christianity under the leadership of Catholicos Karekin II, the spiritual leader of Armenians throughout the world.
In this context, the judicial proceedings conducted against the Catholicos of All Armenians and the church’s high-ranking bishops, and the fact that they are being called to account before secular authorities in connection with the accusations against them, hurt the dignity of the Armenian Church. This pain is further deepened by the violation of rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.
The Armenian Church also plays an important role in the religious, national, and social life of our people in the diaspora. Therefore, any step that would weaken the sovereignty of the Mother See or undermine its inviolability will also weaken the bonds that have become deeply intertwined between the church and society over the centuries. It is a historical fact that the Church was the most important institution of our people even during periods when there was no state. This institution stands alongside our people through services organized and continuing to be organized according to its own internal dynamics. Therefore, regarding matters concerning the Church, we find it meaningless and hurtful to seek criminal elements in the statements of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the institutions subordinate to him. These processes hurts not only the Mother See, but also all the important positions of the Armenian Church, its clergy, and its inter-church relations.
As the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, we declare our solidarity with the Catholicos of All Armenians and his high-ranking bishops. We warn all those responsible not to bring the decisions of the Armenian Church and its clergy before civil judicial authorities. Our prayers are for the Catholicos of All Armenians, the members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, our spiritual centers, our faithful people, and the authorities of the Republic of Armenia. May God grant them all wisdom and common sense, strengthen our Church, and bring peace to our people."
What happened?
The Catholicos and five members of the Supreme Spiritual Council are accused of abusing their official positions and deliberately preventing the implementation of a court ruling.
The investigation developed following the removal of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan from his position as Bishop of the Diocese of Masis (Masyatsotn).
Gevorg Saroyan, who was removed from office in January 2026 by a decision of Catholicos Karekin II, pursued legal action. The court ruled that Saroyan should remain in his position until a final decision was issued and that the Armenian Apostolic Church should not interfere with the bishop’s exercise of his authority or with his control over the diocese’s financial accounts.
Prosecutors state that, despite the court ruling, the Catholicos and the Supreme Spiritual Council knowingly violated the court’s decision by barring Saroyan from priesthood.
In addition to Karekin II, criminal complaints were also filed against Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Archbishop Haykazun Najaryan, Bishop Vahan Hovhannesyan, Bishop Edgar Hakobyan, and Bishop Artur Hakobyan. Authorities had also imposed a travel ban on the Catholicos.
Saroyan was among ten bishops who had openly called for Karekin II’s resignation.
