The Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) has filed two lawsuits against defrocked priest Stepan Asatryan (formerly Father Aram), demanding that he return the keys to the Hovhannavank church in Ohanavan, Aragatsotn Province, as well as a Yerevan apartment previously allocated to him, Factor.am reports.
Specifically, the AAC is asking the court to ban Asatryan from entering key areas of the church, namely, the Holy Altar, the vestry, and the main hall.
In the second lawsuit, the Church requests that Asatryan vacate the apartment at 54/3 Arshakunyats Avenue, Building 18, Shengavit district, Yerevan, and return the keys. The Church is also seeking to evict any individuals residing with him and to recover all court-related expenses, including state fees.
Father Aram, former spiritual leader of Hovhannavank, was among the first clergy to publicly oppose Catholicos Karekin II and support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s church reform initiative. In October 2025, the Mother See declared him defrocked.
Following his defrocking, Prime Minister Pashinyan and cabinet members attended a liturgy at Hovhannavank led by Asatryan, signaling political support. Despite his status, Asatryan continues to perform services at the monastery. The Aragatsotn Diocese has repeatedly issued statements calling his actions unlawful.
Separately, Bishop Gevorg Saroyan has filed a lawsuit against the AAC to challenge his dismissal by Catholicos Karekin II from leading the Mashtots Diocese. The court, presided over by Judge Edgar Hovhannisyan, a member of the Supreme Judicial Council, temporarily reinstated Saroyan pending a final ruling.
