Miran Manukyan

First step for the renovation of Diyarbakır Surp Sarkis Church

The first step towards the renovation of the Surp Sarkis Armenian Church, which has been in ruins for years in Diyarbakır (Dikranagerd), will be taken on June 13. Work will begin with the funds allocated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. However, additional resources need to be found to complete the project.

Clergy chooses Maşalyan for Deghabagh

Aram Ateşyan resigns as the chair of Hovagim 1461 Foundation

Aram Ateşyan announced that he resigned as the chair of Hovagim 1461 Foundation, which was supposedly established “to solve the problem of legal entity of the patriarchate” and has been at the center of Beykoz land debates.

What happened in the patriarchate yesterday?

Istanbul Governor’s Office interfered in the patriarchal election. During the election of değabah, a notice signed by the deputy governor was sent to the patriarchate, claiming that starting the election process is “legally” impossible. Ateşyan and Maşalyan will try to meet with the governor and explain the process.

Election of değabah starts

The election of değabah (trustee), which is considered as the first step of patriarchal election, started in Istanbul.

Three candidates for değabah election

In the process of patriarchal election, Armenian society waits for the değabah (trustee) election. The election will be held on March 15. The result is expected to be announced on the same day.

The solution of Bekdjian against Ateşyan

Metropolite of the Diocese of Gougark Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian, one of the natural patriarchal candidates, spoke to Agos and stated that Armenian Primate of Germany Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian should be supported in değabah election. He also stated that he will come together with Armenians of Turkey as the patriarchal candidate.

Maşalyan: my anger overshadowed my personality

“I have the right to be the değabah (trustee), but there is a better candidate than me and His Eminence Ateşyan: His Eminence Karekin Bekdjian. I consider and suggest him as the değabah candidate with his easygoing character that would relive the tension and his years of experience in administration.”

Assessments from Bekdjian and Ateşyan

After the meeting in Etchmiadzin, Primate Diocese of the Armenian Church of Germany Karekin Bekdjian and General Vicar of the Patriarch of Istanbul Aram Ateşyan assessed the developments.

Catholicos Karekin II suspends the protocol and calls Ateşyan and Mutafyan to Etchmiadzin

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.

17 February 2017

“We did what we had to do”

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.

8 November 2016

In pursuit of a solution for the decrease in the Armenian population in Turkey

General Vicar of the Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, Bishop Sahag Maşalyan, Representative of Minority (Community) Foundations and Council Member of the Directorate General of Foundations Toros Alcan DDS PhD and Samatya Surp Kevork High School Chairman Yesayi Demir spoke to Agos about the concerns about the decreasing population.

8 September 2016

Price of establishing a pork packing plant in Turkey

Investor Gencay Tunç (Garabed Varujan Husigyan) established a large pig farm and packing plant in Bolu in order to produce pork products. However, Tunç was faced with unimaginable bureaucratic obstacles and he couldn't have managed to open his completed facility.

Demolition for the landscape plan of the Patriarchate

According to the Mayor of Fatih Municipality, expropriations will be conducted for the landscape plan of the Patriarchate and Surp Hovannes Church in Narlıkapı.

26 October 2015

Family grave of Balyans under renovation

Family grave of Balyans, the architects of the symbolic buildings of Istanbul, is being renovated. As part of the restoration, a monument for Balyan family will be built.

21 September 2015

12 Dersim Armenians baptized to complete return to their identity

Following a six-month course of church doctrine and basic knowledge of Christian belief, 12 more Dersim Armenians took their first step back to Christianity with a collective baptism ceremony. Two married couples also held religious engagement ceremonies following the baptism ceremony held on 9 May 2015, Saturday at the Yeşilköy Surp Istepanos Church.

Hrant Dink commemorated at his graveside

Agos founder and chief editor Hrant Dink was commemorated at his graveside on the 8th anniversary of his assassination with a ceremony attended by his family and friends.

18 January 2015