Judge recuses himself from case involving Catholicos Karekin II

The judge handling the criminal case involving Catholicos Karekin II and six other bishops has recused himself, lawyer Ara Zohrabyan told reporters, shortly after the hearing began.

“You know that at the initial stage of court proceedings, motions regarding a judge’s disqualification or recusal are considered. Judge Hakob Manukyan recused himself and refused to hear the case,” Zohrabyan said.

The judge cited as the basis for his recusal the fact that he had received his license to practice law from Ara Zohrabyan, who at the time was serving as president of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia.

“He was a lawyer, and I personally issued his license to practice law. In my personal opinion, this was not grounds for recusal, but the judge, taking into account that it could raise doubts, decided to recuse himself,” Zohrabyan explained.

He added that the criminal case would be assigned to another judge, who would schedule a new hearing.

Catholicos Karekin II has been charged with obstructing the enforcement of a legally binding court ruling by using his official powers in his capacity as both Catholicos and Chairman of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

On January 10, 2026, by order of Karekin II, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Masyatsotn, was removed from his position as diocesan leader.

Bishop Gevorg Saroyan challenged the decision to remove him from office in court. On January 17, the court ruled to reinstate him as the Primate of the Diocese until a final judicial decision is issued in the case.

Charges have been brought against the Catholicos and six bishops for failing to comply with the court’s ruling. The clergy members have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the court does not have jurisdiction over such matters.