STATEMENT
27.08.2026
We hereby inform the faithful that the preliminary hearing in the criminal case against His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and six bishops who are members of the Supreme Spiritual Council has been scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Pursuant to Article 272, Part 4 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, the Catholicos of All Armenians and the senior clergymen will not attend the hearing. Their interests will be represented by their defense counsel.
The charges brought against His Holiness and the six bishops constitute unlawful interference in the internal life of the Church. The rights of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the bishops must be restored without delay, and the unlawful criminal prosecution against them must be terminated.
For official church communications, this version reads more naturally to a native English speaker while remaining faithful to the Armenian original.
