Armenian archbishop questioned over leaked call implicating catholicos

The Armenian Investigative Committee has questioned Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan in connection with a leaked recording of his conversation with former priest Aghan Erndzhakyan, authorities confirmed.

According to Caliber.Az, the discussion, reportedly from October 2023, allegedly involved Erndzhakyan complaining to the archbishop about Catholicos Karekin II, who he claimed had urged him and his mother to participate in protests against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 

Erndzhakyan also expressed dissatisfaction over being assigned to serve in a chapel in the city of Vanadzor.

During the conversation, the priest reportedly stated his intention to renounce his clerical status, while Hovhannisyan attempted to dissuade him.

The recording, obtained through law enforcement surveillance and later leaked, prompted the prosecutor’s office to launch a review.

The Investigative Committee subsequently opened a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 236 of the Armenian Criminal Code, which addresses obstruction or coercion regarding participation in assemblies, including using official powers or influence to encourage or discourage participation.

Hovhannisyan reportedly told investigators he had no comments regarding the leaked conversation, asserting it had been obtained illegally. The questioning was described as brief.

A spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, Kima Avdalyan, confirmed the interrogation to journalists.

By Aghakazim Guliyev