PATRIARCHAL ELECTION

Patriarchate of Armenians of Turkey made a statement on the process of election a week after the eruption of the crisis.

Nor Zartonk made a statement on the crisis concerning the patriarchal election that started with the resignation of Sahak Maşalyan. Stating that the protocol signed in the secret meeting is invalid for Armenian society, Nor Zartonk urged Ateşyan to resign and demanded institutions managed by “wealthy men” become transparent and accountable.

After Maşalyan's resignation, a protocol was issued in a secret meeting that was held before the meeting of VADİP (Cooperation and Consultation Platform for Foundations), foundation chairs and executives. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II made a statement on the recent developments. Catholicos stated that the protocol is against the traditional procedure.

After the resignation of Sahak Maşalyan, the head of the Clerical Assembly, the debate on election continues. The date is set for the election, but the reactions don't stop.

Deadlock of patriarchal election caused a crisis in the patriarchate. Head of Clerical Assembly Bishop Sahak Maşalyan released a written statement today and announced that he has resigned.

General Vicar of Patriarch Aram Ateşyan said, “The President knows about the problem concerning the patriarchal election. Thus, we won't apply to the governor's office.”

Thinking Platform (Düşünce Platformu) held its first public meeting concerning the patriarchal election on December 13.

On October 26, the Clerical Assembly of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey decided to superannuated Patriarch Mesrob II, paving the way for the process of election which has been expected for a long time. We asked young Armenians, who have never voted before, about their expectations, criticisms and assessment concerning the patriarchal election.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey made an important decision concerning the patriarchal election. With the decision of the Clerical Assembly, the process of election has officially started. Leading the meeting of the Assembly, Bishop Sahak Mashalian answered the questions concerning the background of this decision and the course of the election process. He stated that a committee consisting of clerics will apply for election.

The Clerical Assembly of the Patriarchate of Turkey decided to superannuate the Patriarch Mesrob II on the ground that he has been unable to perform his duty for 7 years. It is announced that there will be an application for starting the election process.