Bishop Gevorg Saroyan has been officially defrocked by a decision of the Supreme Spiritual Council, according to the Information Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
"The Supreme Spiritual Council reviewed the disciplinary conduct of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, former head of the Diocese of Masis. It was established that by contesting the Catholicos' directive to remove him from office and return to the monastery, and by filing a lawsuit against the Holy Etchmiadzin demanding the restoration of his episcopal post, he violated his oath of obedience.
The Council also addressed Saroyan’s public accusations against the Holy See, fellow clergy, and the Catholicos of All Armenians, labeling them defamatory. Such conduct was strongly condemned and regarded as a gross violation of church order, canonical obedience, and ecclesiastical unity. As a result, the Council proposed that the Catholicos defrock Bishop Saroyan," the statement read.
Attorneys Ara Zohrabyan, Arsen Babayan, and Hovhannes Khudoyan presented reports concerning the unlawful detention of clergy, criminal cases against benefactors, and general judicial procedures. They noted that the charges and measures against the clergy lack legal basis, contradict fair trial standards, and exhibit discriminatory treatment.
The Council sharply criticized pressure against clergy, deeming them blatant violations of the Armenian Constitution and current laws, with a troubling pattern of continuation.
Council members also rejected unconstitutional interference in Church affairs by state and law enforcement bodies.
Professor Gevorg Danielyan delivered a report on legislative initiatives affecting the Church, particularly bills concerning land and cultural monuments. He argued that these contradict existing civil and professional laws, threaten property rights, and wrongly suggest that the Armenian Church could alienate sacred structures. The initiatives, he emphasized, lack legal grounds, do not serve heritage preservation, and appear aimed at fostering anti-church sentiment.
The Supreme Council recommended banning the alienation of religious monuments regardless of their ownership status.
The session also addressed preparations for the upcoming Episcopal Assembly in Sankt Pölten, Austria, deciding to form an organizational committee for effective coordination.
On January 10, 2026, Catholicos Karekin II issued a directive relieving Bishop Gevorg Saroyan of his duties as head of the Diocese of Masis. Saroyan is among the bishops who support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s initiative to reform the Armenian Apostolic Church. Saroyan filed a lawsuit to overturn the directive and regain his position. The court granted his request, temporarily reinstating him as diocesan leader pending the trial's outcome.
