Armenian authorities impose travel ban on Church leadership

Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. Photo: Armenia today

On January 31, 2026, it became known about the initiation of criminal cases and travel restrictions imposed on the leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as reported on the official website of the Armenian Church.

The statement says that the Armenian authorities interfered in the internal affairs of the Church with gross violations of the Constitution and current legislation of the republic. Criminal prosecution was initiated against clergy members of the Supreme Spiritual Council on charges of obstructing the execution of a court decision.

It is noted that on January 31, summons were sent to the spiritual members of the Supreme Spiritual Council demanding they appear before the Investigative Committee as defendants. The Church views these actions as part of a targeted campaign of pressure on the clergy.

As part of the investigation, the clergy were banned from leaving the country. Etchmiadzin believes that such measures violate fundamental human rights and are aimed at undermining the normal activities of the Armenian Apostolic Church, including disrupting the upcoming Assembly of Bishops in Austria.

Holy Etchmiadzin called on the authorities and law enforcement agencies of Armenia to act exclusively within the legal framework, observe the Constitution, and respect the Church's right to autonomy.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Bishops' Council of the Armenian Church will be held in Austria over the governmant's pressure.

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