Armenians in Turkey: We Want to Choose Patriarch by Ourselves

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Armenians in Turkey in protest of patriarchate election’s not being held over eight years has left a black wreath reading “We want to choose our patriarch” in front of the Patriarchate.

Following Patriarch II Mesrob Mutafyan’s getting worse, no patriarchate election is being held for eight years because in order to hold the election, either the patriarch has to die or resign.

No patriarch over eight years

Nevertheless, Mutafyan’s getting worse has led the situation to a deadlock. After the debates on whether there is going to be an election, Aram Ateşyan has been assigned as Deputy Patriarch by İstanbul Governorate as of 2010.

This “deputy” seat which doesn’t exist in the 555-year patriarchate tradition has drawn reaction of Armenian community. However, the community’s demand hasn’t been met so far.

Finally, appointing a guardian to Patriarch II Mesrob Mutafyan by being issued “incapacity to work report” by court has caused the community to raise its voice for demand for patriarch election.

The group rallying on behalf of the Armenians in Turkey at the Meryem Ana Kilisesi (Virgin Mary Church) across the Armenian Patriarchate in Kumkapı district of İstanbul has first prayed, then left a black wreath.

Çelik: “We don’t accept intervention in our freedom of belief”

Reading the press statement, Jaklin Çelik expressed that Armenians in Turkey Patriarchate post has a tradition of 555 years and it represents existence and honor of an ancient nation whose roots go back to 3,000 years back.

“We don’t accept any further intervention in our freedom of belief and that our right to choose being seized with meaningless excuses. Armenians in Turkey haven’t handed and won’t hand its representation to anyone.

“We want a ‘Noble’ Patriarch, and we are going to choose him, as how it is throughout 555 years”.

Bebek: “We have report but state is not keeping its promise”

Tatyos Bebek speaking to bianet demanded that government keep its promise by paving the way for the election:

“Both state and Aram Ateşyan are responsible for a Patriarch’s not being able to be chosen. Last year, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu had told us that there is no problem with the patriarchate election. He promised us that there would be an election if we get report of incapacity to work.

“We’ve received the report from court however, the state hasn’t kept its promise. Patriarchate post is vacant now because we don’t have a post like deputyship.  The state created this by itself and appointed a deputy in one day. We want to choose our own patriarch and also want the state to keep its promise”. (NV/TK)

Photo: Mıgırdiç Arzivyan