Turkey’s Armenian Patriarchate Backs Catholicos Karekin II, Warns Criminal Case Harms Church

The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey has joined growing criticism of criminal proceedings against Catholicos Karekin II and senior Armenian clergy, warning that bringing Church leaders before the courts threatens the dignity and independence of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

In a statement, the Istanbul-based Patriarchate said the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin remains central to the spiritual unity of Armenians worldwide and argued that disputes involving Church governance should not be turned into criminal cases.

The Patriarchate expressed full support for Karekin II and the clergy facing prosecution and called on Armenian authorities to protect the Church and respect its institutional role.

It also pointed to the Church’s historic place in Armenian life, noting that it remained a source of religious and national continuity during centuries when Armenians had no independent state.

The statement follows the first preliminary hearing in the criminal case against Karekin II and senior members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, held Aug. 7 in Vagharshapat, home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The hearing ended without substantive proceedings after Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself from the case.

The prosecution stems from a dispute over Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, who was removed as head of the Masyatsotn Diocese by Karekin II on Jan. 10.

At the time, the Mother See said the decision was based on allegations that Saroyan had abused his position, failed to carry out his responsibilities and exerted pressure on clergy serving in the diocese.

Saroyan challenged his dismissal in court.

The Armavir Regional Court of First Instance later issued an interim order allowing him to remain in office while the case was pending. The Church was also ordered not to interfere with his authority or control over the diocese’s financial accounts.

The conflict escalated when Karekin II and the Supreme Spiritual Council moved to defrock Saroyan despite the court order and a formal notice from Armenia’s Compulsory Enforcement Service.

Prosecutors allege that Church leaders deliberately obstructed enforcement of the ruling.

Karekin II, Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Archbishop Haykazun Najaryan, Bishop Vahan Hovhannesyan, Bishop Edgar Hakobyan and Bishop Arthur Hakobyan have been charged in the case. Authorities have also barred Karekin II from leaving Armenia.

The Church disputes the legal implications of the court order.

Clergy from the Masyatsotn Diocese said in March that the ruling effectively required them to continue recognizing Saroyan as their bishop even after he had been defrocked. According to the Church, Saroyan is now a layman known as Arman Saroyan and no longer holds episcopal authority under canon law.

The case has unfolded amid a broader confrontation over the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Saroyan is among 10 bishops who have called for Karekin II’s resignation. Members of the group have met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and repeatedly spoken publicly against the Catholicos.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey’s intervention adds another major Armenian Church institution to the growing international and ecclesiastical scrutiny surrounding the case against Karekin II.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.