Armenian Church expects Turkey’s support for patriarchal electionsFebruary 23, 2018 - 12:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is expecting the Turkish authorities to meet the just demand of the Armenian community to organize patriarchal elections. The Turkish government is openly intervening in the selection of a new Armenian Patriarch to lead the nation’s largest Christian community. The current Patriarch, Mesrob II Mutafyan, was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and is no longer able to carry out his duties. The Armenian community is now in the process of electing a new religious leader. The Turkish state, however, argued that under Armenian Church traditions a new Patriarch can be elected if Mesrob II either dies or resigns. At a meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council chaired by the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, the Armenian Church expressed concern over “the undesirable developments in the life of Turkish Armenians.” Also, the Mother See called for sobriety among top clerics like Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, bishop Sahak Mashalyan, urging them to prioritize the interest of the Constantinople Patriarchate over their personal aspirations and interpersonal relationships. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |