PATRIARCHAL ELECTION

SOCIETY Ateşyan finally steps down

General Vicar of Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Archbishop Aram Ateşyan announced that he resigned in a meeting with some foundation executives and benefactors. Ateşyan also sent an official letter to Değabah Bekçiyan, informing that Bekçiyan has the responsibility to carry out the election process and he will hand over the administrative duties. It is expected that the process will accelerate now.
SOCIETY People keep protesting Ateşyan

Protests against Aram Ateşyan, who maintains his seat as General Vicar of the Patriarch, continued this week. People gathered in front of Feriköy Surp Vartanants Church for staging protest.
CHURCHES What happened at Bekçiyan-Ateşyan meeting?

Yesterday, a meeting was held in the patriarchate with the participation of Değabah Bekçiyan, Archbishop Ateşyan and some lay representatives. Bekçiyan made a statement after the meeting, which Ateşyan didn't want to attend in the first place.
SOCIETY Bekçiyan calls for the support of people

Değabah Karekin Bekçiyan released a written statement. He urged the clerics who voted for him to stand up for their votes and asked for the support of the representatives of the Armenian society.