Summary
The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, had a conflict escalate in Armenia when prosecutors filed charges against Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, for obstructing justice. Karekin II was scheduled to attend a meeting of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Bishops’ Synod in Austria but instead faced arrest by Armenian authorities. The prosecution claimed he had hindered legal proceedings. Karekin II countered that these accusations were unwarranted interference from state authorities. The Armenian constitution distinguishes between religious organizations and the national church, which has a unique role within Armenia’s spiritual life. The conflict emerged amidst Armenia’s transition to independence in 1991, following centuries of persecution and genocide. Despite acknowledging common faith with the Catholic Church through past declarations, full communion remains elusive due to historical disputes over theological formulations.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Armenian Apostolic Church, Chalcedonian tradition
