YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community of Turkey insists the Patriarchal election issue can only be resolved by the resignation of Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram Ateshyan.

Istanbul’s Armenian Agos newspaper talked to representatives of the community, who gave their opinions on the process.

“Last week, the announcement ofFather Sahak really deeply saddened me. It is impossible to fill the position of a spiritual leader like him. I think what Father Sahak has said is absolutely true: It is already necessary to hold the Patriarchal election. Why are they attempting to stop it?’, 47 year old Mari Sivajoghlu said, adding negative rumors within the community on Ateshyan have badly impacted the reputation of the Patriarchal See.

“I hope peace will be established. However I can’t say how is Ateshyan refuses to resign”, she said.

“I am very sad. I very much respect and trust Father Sahak. I trust his spirit, his knowledge and honesty”, another representative of the community said.

30 year old Tamar Naljin, who happens to be the assistant of lawmaker Garo Paylan, asked why should the Armenian community have waited for 8 years if the Patriarchal election issue is solved just by writing the date on a paper. “Why is the timing being decided now? Why did we wait for the state’s “permission” for the election for years? These are questions that must be asked….as well as why the Catholicos interfered only after 8 years”.

“We don’t only want a religious leader, we need someone who will represent the Armenian community of Turkey entirely”, she said.

“Ateshyan must step down”, another local said.