Istanbul-Armenians need proper attention to community institutions – Armenian MP on patriarchal elections
In an interview with Tert.am, an Armenian member of Turkey's Grand National Assembly commented upon the upcoming elections to the Istanbul-Armenian patriarchate, sharing her expectations from the new religious leader.
Selina Doghan (Peoples' Democratic Party) said she will back the candidate who demonstrates a commitment to stand by the community to assist in its development.
“I have no idea for now who the candidates will be. What we need is a proper care of our schools, institutions, and our foundations. So I will support anyone who will be equal to the task of handling those problems in Turkey,” she said.
Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, the general vicar who stepped down in May, is likely to field his candidacy too, though he has little chances of election after the wide discounted he stirred up among the local Armenians over the period of his tenure, Ms Dogan added.
In the election for the vicar general on March 15 (held according to a decision passed in St Echmiadzin in February), the primate of the Armenian Diocese in Germany, Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian, gained an overwhelming advantage over Ateshyan. But the Istanbul Provincial Administration unexpectedly intervened in the process. In a notice sent to the Patriarchate, a deputy provincial governor said they considered the election legally impossible. Ateshyan submitted the document to the local clergymen shortly after the voting, insisting on his decision to remain in office
All the liturgies served, and addresses delivered by, the defeated vicar general were later boycotted by the community which also urged for his resignation.
Ateshyan officially stepped down on May 25, leaving the position vacant for Archbishop Bekchyan (who took over the patriarchate’s leadership after returning to Istanbul).
Ms Dogan said she considers the recent developments very positive and inspiring for the community.
“I now really hope that the elections will eventually take place. But all this needs to be considered also in the realm of the Turkish politics. We do not virtually know what is going to happen. All we are aware of is that the country is in a state of emergency,” she said, adding that thet are planning demonstrations in Istanbul and Ankra to protest the arrest of several fellow party members.
The Turkish-Armenian MP also stressed the importance of adopting a community legislation to address the activities of not only the Patriarchate but also the other Armenian institutions.
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