Armenian Church files lawsuits against defrocked Stepan Asatryan

The Armenian Apostolic Church has filed two lawsuits against defrocked priest Stepan Asatryan (formerly Father Aram), demanding that the court compel him to return the keys to the church in the village of Ohanavan, in the Ashtarak municipality of Aragatsotn Province, as well as the apartment allocated to him, Datalex reports.

The Church is seeking a court order prohibiting Asatryan from entering the following areas of Hovhanavank Church: the Holy Altar, the storage room, and the court.

In the second lawsuit, the Church demands that Asatryan return the apartment belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church located at Yerevan, Shengavit District, Arshakunyats Avenue, 18, 54/3. The Church also requests that he surrender the keys to the apartment and vacate the premises along with any other occupants.

The Church also demands that Asatryan reimburse legal expenses related to these two lawsuits, including previously paid state fees.