During the first preliminary hearing, the judge examining the Catholicos’ case, Hakob Manukyan, recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Karekin II in the court. Photo: Vahram Baghdasaryan/PhotolureOn Sunday, Karekin II was absent from the inauguration of Armenia’s new parliament, a break from his tradition of attending such inaugural sessions. Parliamentary Speaker Ruben Rubinyan told reporters he did not recognise ‘any Catholicos at the moment’, referring to Karekin II instead by his birth name, Ketrich Nersisyan. Pashinyan also claimed that Karekin II violated his vow of celibacy and fathered a daughter, which would make him ineligible for the post.