Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul issues announcement on Archbishop Ateshyan’s letter to Erdogan
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YEREVAN, JUNE 15, ARMENPRESS. The religious assembly of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul has issued an announcement on the recent letter of Patriarchal Vicar Aram Archbishop Ateshyan to Turkish President Erdogan, regarding the German Bundestag’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
“The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey has always tried to create friendly relations with the country’s leadership, as well as has put maximum efforts not to ignore the delicate public opinions on those materials which are of interest for the country’s public”, the announcement reads.
The announcement says according to ancient traditions, they do not express opinions of political and legal issues.
The responsibility to speak on behalf of the community is assumed by the Patriarch himself.
But because Patriarch Mesrop Mutafyan is ill, this responsibility was assumed by Aram Archbishop Ateshyan.
“With this sense of responsibility and compliance to the requests of a number of community leaders and leading philanthropists, he wrote the letter in regard to the German Parliament’s decision. The Archbishop followed the example of previous Patriarchs and high ranking spiritual leaders. However, in order for the responsibility not to fall entirely on the Patriarchal See, we think it would be right if similar statements are made by wide consultative meetings, taking into account several delicate matters.
We watch with sadness how the criticism on the letter’s content crosses the line of criticism due to hypersensitivity and turns into disgrace, threats and humiliation. We urge the members of our community to be cold blooded and conscientious, and consciously approach this letter, taking into account the political and social realities in our country in connection with the Mets Eghern suffered by Ottoman Armenians 100 years ago”, the announcement reads.