Armenian court closes civil case against Karekin II

The Armavir Court of First Instance in Armenia closed a civil case on October 21 regarding the removal of former Bishop Arman (Gevorg) Saroyan from the Diocese of Masyatsotn. The court ruled that the dispute could not be examined under civil law because no employment relationship between Saroyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church was proven.

The ruling also revoked provisional measures issued on January 16. These measures had allegedly been obstructed by the Church, forming the basis for criminal charges against Catholicos Karekin II and six members of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

Saroyan had sued to annul the January 10, 2026, decree by Karekin II that removed him from his position. The Holy See of Etchmiadzin argued that civil courts lacked jurisdiction because the appointment and removal of diocesan leaders are governed by internal canon law. The court archived the case without deciding if the removal was justified.