Court orders release of Armenian Church chancellery head
Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan. Photo: Sputnik Armenia
On March 5, 2026, Armenia’s Court of Appeal ordered the release of Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, head of the Armenian Church’s chancellery. The archbishop’s lawyer, Arsen Babayan, announced the decision on Facebook.
The attorney confirmed that his client had been released, while also saying he opposed the imposition of any other restrictions.
Archbishop Khachatryan was arrested on December 5, 2025, on charges that the Church and opposition figures have described as absurd and politically motivated. Clergy believe the criminal case is being driven by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who they say is seeking, through pressure on those around him, to force the resignation of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II.
Other bishops of the Armenian Church also remain under judicial pressure.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that bishops of the Armenian Church had called on the authorities to stop persecuting the Church.
Read also
Dumenko holds "service" at seized UOC church in Boyarka
On September 29, the head of the OCU performed a "divine service" at St. Michael's Church in Boyarka and rewarded the raider-rector.
UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival
UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.
UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official
A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.
Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary
The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.
Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes
A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.