Supreme Spiritual Council convenes in Etchmiadzin

· March 12, 2026

On March 10, a session of the Supreme Spiritual Council began at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin under the chairmanship of the Catholicos of All Armenians Кarekin II.

The council’s agenda includes issues related to convening the National Ecclesiastical Assembly and organizing its work, as well as matters concerning the Church’s pastoral, educational, canonical, administrative, disciplinary and social mission. Issues affecting church life will also be discussed.

In accordance with established procedures, the council will review the 2025 activity report of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Participants will hear reports on spiritual and administrative activities, the financial statement and the annual report of the auditing commission.

On February 14, it became known that Armenia’s Prosecutor’s Office had initiated criminal proceedings against Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on charges of failing to comply with a court decision related to the case of the former head of the Masis Diocese, and had banned him from leaving the country.

The Forum for Religious Freedom in Europe condemned what it described as “attacks against the freedom, autonomy and independence” of the Armenian Apostolic Church.