3 minute read
YEREVAN, JANUARY 23, ARMENPRESS: 5 candidates have been elected for the post of patriarch in Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Armenpress was informed from its reporter in Jerusalem, member of St. James Convent of Jerusalem Archimandrite Koryun Baghdasaryan.
All 5 candidates were elected by secret ballot: Nurhan Archbishop Manoogian, Archbishop Aris Shirvanyan, Archbishop Tatev Gharibyan, Archbishop Sevan Gharibian and Archbishop Gisak Mouradian.
Solely celibate members of the convent can participate in the patriarchal elections. Presently there are 33 celibate members in the Armenian Convent.
The patriarchal election will be held in two stages. Five candidates have already been chosen in the first stage of the elections by secret polling.
In accordance with the Statute of the Jerusalem Convent (1882) 35 year old archimandrites and bishops can become patriarchal candidates.
In the second stage of the patriarchal elections one of the five candidates will be elected as a patriarch by the vast majority of the votes. The day of anointing of the patriarch will be decided after the elections.
The patriarchal position remained vacant since the after long illness at the age of 93 Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Rev. Archbishop Torkom Manoukyan passed away. Honorable Rev. Archbishop Torkom Manoukyan was born in Northern Baghdad (Iraq) on February 16, 1919 and after receiving elementary education at Armenian school of Holy Translators he entered St. James’s seminary of Armenian Patriarchy of Jerusalem.
Torkom Patriarch could exert his authority over development of international ecumenical relations. He was a chairman of "Religion in American Life" Council. He was also member of the council of directors of "Call of Conscience" foundation. He was author of more than 20 monographs including three books of poetry, study on Armenian Divine Liturgy, books dedicated to the Armenian Genocide and detailed guide to the holy places of Jerusalem. The deceased Patriarch was a prominent expert on Komitas.