YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan has been elected locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul based on the results of March 15 election, “Armenpress” reports “Luys” periodical informs.

Three clerics had submitted applications for candidacy to the post - Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan, General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul Aram Ateshian and Chairman of the Religious Council of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul Sahak Mashalian. But later Mashalian announced that he plans to withdraw candidacy on the day of the election not to divide the votes. He called on his supporters to vote for Bekchian. Earlier, primate of Gugarats Diocese Sepuh Bishop Chuljian had also supported Bekchian. He is a possible candidate of Patriarch.

The election started at 3 pm in the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul. Electing the locum tenens is considered as the first step of patriarchal election. Elected by clerics, locum tenens is responsible for managing the election process as planned. The election took place behind doors.

30 clerics who are the members of Clerical Assembly voted in the election.