Bishop Mashalyan urges Archbshiop Ateshyan not to nominate own candidacy for locum tenens in Istanbul Patriarchate

The era of patriarchal vicar will become history with the upcoming locum tenens election in the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, which is due by March 15. Archbishop Aram Ateshyan has vowed this in the presence of Catholicos of all Armenians His Holiness Garegin II, and the promise has been included in the records, Bishop Sahak Mashalyan, president of the Patriarchate’s religious assembly, told Agos newspaper.

According to the Bishop, the initiative group which will be formed after the election of a locum tenens will have authorities and won’t allow the locum tenens to manipulate the election process.

“The people will be reported on the election process every month. The initiating body will provide equal conditions for Patriarchal candidates, for carrying out pre-election campaign. If the Patriarchal election isn’t held within six month, a vote of confidence will be required for the locum tenens and the initiative group,” Mashalyan said.

He said it is necessary to persuade Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram Ateshyan not to nominate his candidacy during the locum tenens election. “His refusal will be the best gift to the Church and a golden opportunity to clear his name,” Mashalyan said.

Mashalyan mentioned he also has the right to nominate his candidacy for the locum tenens position, however besides himself and Archbishop Ateshyan there is a more suitable candidate – Garegin Bekchyan – Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany. “In such a tense period, I view and propose Bekchyan as a perfect candidate for locum tenens,” he said.