The leader of Armenia’s Apostolic Church faces trial amid a feud with the government
Summary
The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos Karekin II, is on trial along with six other church leaders for defying a court order related to restoring a defrocked bishop. This legal case is part of ongoing tensions between the church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government, which have worsened since large protests in 2024 against Pashinyan’s policies on border villages.Key Facts
- Catholicos Karekin II leads the Armenian Apostolic Church, a powerful religious institution in Armenia.
- Karekin II and six other senior clergymen are charged with ignoring a court order to reinstate a defrocked bishop.
- If found guilty, they could face up to two years in prison.
- Tensions between the church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have increased since 2024 protests demanding Pashinyan’s removal.
- The protests were sparked by a government agreement to give control of some border villages to Azerbaijan and to improve relations with that country.
- Some senior church leaders have faced government actions following disagreements over the border deal.
- The first court hearing was held in Vagharshapat, the spiritual center of Armenia and the church’s headquarters.
- The judge in the case recused himself, so a new judge will handle the trial.
- Supporters of Karekin II, including opposition party members and clergy, gathered outside the courthouse.
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