Lawyer Ara Zohrabyan has submitted three criminal reports to law enforcement, including accusations against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and defrocked cleric Stepan Asatryan for allegedly preparing to obstruct a religious service. He made the announcement via his Facebook page.
“The authorities continue their attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church,” Zohrabyan wrote.
To protect the Church and its clergy, the following reports and a petition were submitted:
The first report concerns a potential breach of confidentiality involving a phone conversation with Bishop Nathan. According to the report, the conversation may have been edited, but even the mere violation of confidentiality raises serious concerns.
Zohrabyan referenced Article 206 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which criminalizes the unlawful breach of the confidentiality of correspondence, phone calls, or other forms of communication.
Another report alleges that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Stepan Asatryan took steps toward obstructing a religious ceremony, an act punishable under Article 209 of the Criminal Code. The alleged offense qualifies as a preparatory stage of a crime, which is also subject to criminal liability under Article 14, Part 1.
The alleged obstruction pertains to the October 26, 2025 liturgy at Hovhannavank Monastery, which the Armenian Apostolic Church had scheduled with an appointed priest. Zohrabyan claims that Pashinyan contributed to the obstruction by publicly declaring he would only receive Holy Communion from “Father Aram,” and by threatening high-ranking clergymen. Asatryan allegedly refused to vacate the church premises and insisted on leading the liturgy himself.
A separate petition was filed with the Interior Ministry to prevent the unauthorized entry into the church.
Among other demands, the filing requests the eviction of Stepan Asatryan from all sacred areas of the Hovhannavank Church in the village of Ohanavan, Aragatsotn Province—specifically, spaces reserved for clergy—based on Government Decision No. 797-N of May 10, 2007, which affirms the Church’s property rights.
On October 21, the Catholicos of All Armenians defrocked Father Aram Asatryan, reclassifying him as a layperson named Stepan Asatryan. Despite this, Asatryan announced he would lead a liturgy at Hovhannavank on Sunday, with Prime Minister Pashinyan stating he would attend.
