PATRIARCHAL ELECTION

General Vicar of Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Archbishop Aram Ateşyan announced that he resigned in a meeting with some foundation executives and benefactors. Ateşyan also sent an official letter to Değabah Bekçiyan, informing that Bekçiyan has the responsibility to carry out the election process and he will hand over the administrative duties. It is expected that the process will accelerate now.

Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, General Vicar of Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, resigned.

Led by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, the meeting of Supreme Religious Council was held in Moscow. In the concluding statement made after the meeting, a call concerning patriarchal election is made.

Patriarchal election has been preoccupying Armenian society for years. Recently, a petition campaign for patriarchal election is launched.

Protests against Aram Ateşyan, who maintains his seat as General Vicar of the Patriarch, continued this week. People gathered in front of Feriköy Surp Vartanants Church for staging protest.

Bekçiyan, who will meet with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in Armenia, will attend Supreme Spiritual Council with Vehapar Karekin II that will convene in Moscow.

Değabah Archbishop Karekin Bekçiyan released a written statement after his meeting with VADİP (Cooperation and Consultation Platform for Foundations).

Yesterday, a meeting was held in the patriarchate with the participation of Değabah Bekçiyan, Archbishop Ateşyan and some lay representatives. Bekçiyan made a statement after the meeting, which Ateşyan didn't want to attend in the first place.

Bishop Sahak Maşalyan released a statement after the meeting at the governor's office concerning the patriarchal election.

Değabah Karekin Bekçiyan released a written statement. He urged the clerics who voted for him to stand up for their votes and asked for the support of the representatives of the Armenian society.