Armenian Church sues former cleric over refusal to vacate church premises

Former cleric of the AAC Stepan Asatryan. Photo: aysor.am

The Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) has filed a lawsuit against former cleric Stepan Asatryan, demanding that he vacate the church of Hovhannavank and return church property that had been entrusted to him, Aysor reports.

According to the report, the AAC has filed two separate claims against Stepan Asatryan, who previously served under the name Fr. Aram. In the first case, the AAC is asking the court to compel him to return the Hovhannavank church, which is owned by the Church, including by handing over the keys. The AAC is also seeking a court order barring Asatryan from accessing a number of areas at Hovhannavank, including the Holy Altar, the sacristy, and the choir loft.

In the second claim, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is asking the court to oblige Asatryan to return an apartment in Yerevan belonging to the AAC. In comments to Aysor, Stepan Asatryan said there had been an understanding between him and the head of the Aragatsotn Eparchy that the housing would be returned during the summer. However, as of now, the keys to the apartment and to the Hovhannavank church have not been handed over.

It is noted that Stepan Asatryan was suspended from ministry in the AAC for violations of church discipline and for actions said to discredit the Church.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a suspended bishop filed a lawsuit against the Church in Armenia.

Read also