By the order of Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, dated March 16, Archbishop Abraham Mkrtchyan was relieved of his post as Primate of the Diocese of Vayots Dzor of the Armenian Apostolic Church and retired, based on his written and verbal requests.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that by another order of the Catholicos, the Primate of the Diocese of Syunik, Bishop Makar Hakobyan, has been concurrently appointed as the Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Vayots Dzor.