An Armenian court has scheduled the first preliminary hearing in the criminal case against Catholicos Karekin II, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, for 7 August. The case, the first of its kind involving a Catholicos in modern Armenia, has been assigned to the Armavir Court of First Instance and will be heard in Vagharshapat, home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Karekin II and six bishops and archbishops are charged with obstructing the enforcement of a legally binding court decision by allegedly refusing to comply with an order requiring the reinstatement of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, the former Primate of the Masyatsotn Diocese. According to the prosecution, Karekin II abused his authority as chairman of the Supreme Spiritual Council by preventing the implementation of an interim court ruling. The defendants have also reportedly been placed under travel restrictions.

The Armenian Apostolic Church dismissed Saroyan in January, citing alleged misconduct and abuse of office. Saroyan rejected the accusations and successfully challenged the decision in court, which ordered his reinstatement.

The proceedings come amid escalating tensions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Relations have deteriorated since 2025 over the government's calls for reforms within the Church and criticism of its leadership, while Church officials have accused the authorities of interfering in religious affairs.