Amsterdam & Partners warns against state interference in Armenian church affairs

(Horizon Weekly) — The international law firm Amsterdam & Partners has warned that growing judicial and political interference in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church threatens Armenia’s constitutional order and the rule of law.

In a public statement, the firm criticized attempts to involve secular courts in reviewing decisions made by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, particularly in matters of clerical discipline. It said such actions violate the constitutional principle of separating church and state and contradict European legal standards.

The dispute centers on the dismissal of Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, former head of the Diocese of Masis (Masyatsotn). After his removal, Saroyan challenged the Church’s decision in a civil court rather than through canonical procedures. On January 27, the Church formally defrocked him for violating clerical obedience and submitting an internal dispute to state authorities.

Despite this ruling, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan publicly rejected the decision and questioned the authority of Catholicos Karekin II, referring to him in political terms.

Amsterdam & Partners stressed that the issue goes beyond political rhetoric and reflects a broader threat to religious autonomy. The firm cited Armenia’s Constitution and national legislation, which guarantee freedom of religion, recognize the Church’s special role, and prohibit state interference in religious governance.

It also noted that European courts, including the European Court of Human Rights, consistently refrain from intervening in internal church matters, recognizing religious autonomy as a core democratic principle.

In its recent White Paper, the firm argued that current developments reflect a broader effort by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government to erode the independence of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The firm called on Armenian authorities to immediately end judicial and political involvement in church affairs and to uphold constitutional and European democratic standards.

Amsterdam & Partners LLP is an international law firm specializing in political advocacy and human rights, with offices in London and Washington, D.C.