The preliminary hearing in the criminal case against His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and six bishops, members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, has been scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., the information system of the Mother See reports.
“In accordance with the right provided for in Part 4 of Article 272 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, the Catholicos of All Armenians and the high-ranking clergy will not appear at the hearing. Their interests will be represented by their defense attorneys.
The accusations brought against His Holiness the Patriarch and the six bishops are an illegal interference in the internal life of the Church. The rights of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the bishops must be immediately restored and the illegal criminal prosecution against them must be terminated,” the statement reads.
