New judge assigned to high-profile Karekin II case

The case involving Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin II and other high-ranking clergymen has been assigned to Judge Serzh Rushanyan of the Armavir Regional Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction after the initial judge withdrew from the case, citing a potential conflict of interest related to the lawyer representing the Catholicos, according to online court documents. 

The initial hearing in the trial of Karekin II and six other high-ranking archbishops — members of the Supreme Spiritual Council — began last week in a court in Vagharshapat, a city in Armavir Province that is home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Shortly after the hearing began, Judge Hakob Manukyan withdrew from the case. He cited as the basis for his recusal the fact that he had received his license to practice law from lawyer Ara Zohrabyan, who at the time was serving as president of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia. Zohrabyan is representing Karekin II in court.

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 that he should be reinstated as 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.