YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS.  General Vicar of the Patriarch of Istanbul Aram Ateshian and chairman of the Clerical Assembly of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul Sahak Mashalyan will discuss the situation over the elections of the Patriarch with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

Head of Holy Echmiadzin's press office, father Vahram Melikyan confirmed in a conversation with “Armenpress” that Aram Ateshian and Sahak Mashalyan will arrive at the Holy See next week. “They will discuss with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II the existing situation and ways to reach a consensus over the patriarchal elections”, Father Mikayelyan said.

Chairman of the Clerical Assembly of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul Bishop Sahak Mashalian announced on February 13 about his resignation, informing that General Vicar Aram Ateshian is to blame for his decision. Mashalian released a letter explaining his steps, noting that he made the decision on February 13 due to Ateshian’s behavior during the Clerical Assembly meeting. He also informed that he does not want to bid for Patriarchy and plans to leave Istanbul.