Archbishop Bekchian denies resignation rumors

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS. Archbishop Garegin Bekchian, the elected patriarchal locum tenens of Istanbul’s Armenian Patriarchate, denied media rumors on his upcoming resignation, Istanbul’s Zhamanak newspaper reported.

Bekchian said “I casually said I might refuse if needed, however there is no such thing”.

Speaking on Turkish President Erdogan’s April 24 address and the remark on the patriarchal election, Bekchian said: “It’s good that he released such an address. He had released it last year also. Regarding his reference to the patriarchal election, it’s good, let’s see the result”.

The locum tenens said he will arrive to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin soon.

It is probable that he will discuss the current situation with Catholicos Garegin II.

After visiting Etchmiatsin, Bekchian will depart for Moscow to participate in the assembly of the Supreme Spiritual Council.

Bekchian is a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council as Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany, however he will participate in the Moscow assembly as locum tenens of Istanbul’s Patriarchate.