Patriarchal locum tenens Archbishop Bekchyan arrives in Istanbul

YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan – the patriarchal locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul – arrived to Istanbul on June 1.

The Armenian “Luys” newspaper of Istanbul reported that a welcoming ceremony was held in Kumkapi’s St. Mary Church in honor of the Archbishop.

The locum tenens delivered a speech during the ceremony, saying he will lead the patriarchal election process in the circle of friendship and brotherhood.

Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, who has recently resigned as patriarchal vicar after some time of refusing to do so, was also present at the ceremony. He mentioned that he has tried to maximally control the situation.

All attendees prayed together for holding the patriarchal election.

Among other clergy, Archbishop Levon Zekiyan – the spiritual leader of the Armenian Catholic community of Turkey, was also in attendance.