SAHAK MAŞALYAN

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

Istanbul Governor’s Office interfered in the patriarchal election. During the election of değabah, a notice signed by the deputy governor was sent to the patriarchate, claiming that starting the election process is “legally” impossible. Ateşyan and Maşalyan will try to meet with the governor and explain the process.

Emphasizing that the notice from the governor’s office rendered the patriarchate dysfunctional, His Eminence Sahak Maşalyan stated that a meeting should be held in governor’s office immediately, His Eminence Aram should resign and His Eminence değabah Karekin Bekçiyan should take up the position.

“I have the right to be the değabah (trustee), but there is a better candidate than me and His Eminence Ateşyan: His Eminence Karekin Bekdjian. I consider and suggest him as the değabah candidate with his easygoing character that would relive the tension and his years of experience in administration.”

Nor Zartonk made a statement on the crisis concerning the patriarchal election that started with the resignation of Sahak Maşalyan. Stating that the protocol signed in the secret meeting is invalid for Armenian society, Nor Zartonk urged Ateşyan to resign and demanded institutions managed by “wealthy men” become transparent and accountable.

After Maşalyan's resignation, a protocol was issued in a secret meeting that was held before the meeting of VADİP (Cooperation and Consultation Platform for Foundations), foundation chairs and executives. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II made a statement on the recent developments. Catholicos stated that the protocol is against the traditional procedure.

After the resignation of Sahak Maşalyan, the head of the Clerical Assembly, the debate on election continues. The date is set for the election, but the reactions don't stop.

Deadlock of patriarchal election caused a crisis in the patriarchate. Head of Clerical Assembly Bishop Sahak Maşalyan released a written statement today and announced that he has resigned.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey made an important decision concerning the patriarchal election. With the decision of the Clerical Assembly, the process of election has officially started. Leading the meeting of the Assembly, Bishop Sahak Mashalian answered the questions concerning the background of this decision and the course of the election process. He stated that a committee consisting of clerics will apply for election.