Religious Council in Istanbul publishes document by which Ateshian will continue his tenure as Patriarchal Vicar

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. The ClericalAssembly of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul has made a decision, according to which Aram Ateshian will continue his tenure as a Patriarchal Vicar, ARMENPRESS reports Istanbul-based Armenian “Zhamanak” daily informs.

Following receiving the letter from the ministry of interior of Turkey over the procedure of Patriarchal elections a meeting of clergymen took place on February 9 at the invitation of theChairman of the Religious Council Bishop Sahak Mashalian and presided over by Ateshian. According to the daily, Patriarchal locum tenens ArchbishopGaregin Bekchyan did not attend the meeting. Earlier he had informed Mashalian about his decision.

A decision was made during the meeting that it’s necessary to meet the requirements of the letter sent by the ministry of interior. Particularly, it was decided to return to the situation that preceded the Religious Councilmeeting on October 26, 2016, when Mesrob Mutafyanwas still regarded as the Patriarch. In addition, Aram Ateshian will continue his tenure as the patriarchal Vicar.

The clergymen emphasized during the meeting that the election of the Patriarch should take place at a proper time.