Patriarchal Vicar Ateshian resigns from post of Chairman of Hovakim 1461 Foundation

YEREVAN, MARCH 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Patriarchal Vicar of Istanbul Archbishop Aram Ateshian resigned from the post of Chairman of Hovakim 1461 Foundation, Ateshian told Istanbul-based Agos daily, reports “Armenpress”.

Commenting on the resignation decision, Ateshian stated: “I have established this Foundation aimed at assisting the clergymen. However there are a lot of gossips, that’s why I resign”.

Speaking about the interference of Istanbul Governor’s Office in the locum tenens election process, Ateshian said: “The patriarchate will not make any comment on this issue”. He stated that he has submitted a written request to the Governor’s Office asking to organize a meeting.

Commenting on the statements made by elected locum tenens Archbishop Garegin Bekchian and Bishop Sahak Mashalian who said that “the issue will be settled if Ateshian resigns” from the post of the Vicar, the Patriarchal Vicar said: “I have no plans to resign”.