Fr. Zareh Ashuryan, who previously served in the Diocese of Masis, has made serious accusations against dismissed bishop Gevorg Saroyan, claiming the bishop subjected clergy to spiritual and psychological pressure over the years. His statement comes in response to Saroyan’s lawsuit against the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin seeking reinstatement as diocesan leader.
In a Facebook post, Fr. Zareh described the legal claim as part of a “false agenda” and said it reflects “hidden fears” on Saroyan’s part.
“If the case goes to court, I’m sure many priests, including myself, are ready to testify that Bishop Saroyan, for years, used his episcopal position to subject us—clergy of the diocese—to spiritual and psychological coercion,” he wrote.
Fr. Zareh cited several examples:
- During his service in the diocese, no general clergy meetings were ever held. Instead, there were attempts to set priests against one another.
- Priests’ online activity was closely monitored, and even posts that didn’t mention Saroyan by name could result in humiliating treatment at the diocese headquarters.
- Even when explanations were requested for online posts, clergy were forced to write “mandatory explanations,” subject to censorship.
“There’s much more that can be said about the abuse, which was formalized through unjust orders,” he concluded.
Bishop Saroyan, who was dismissed from his position as head of the Masis Diocese, is suing the Armenian Apostolic Church, asking the court to annul the January 10, 2026, patriarchal decree by Catholicos Karekin II that removed him from office and to reinstate him as diocesan leader.
