ETCHMIADZIN. – General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, has arrived in Armenia.
Head of the Spiritual Council of the Patriarchate, Bishop Sahak Maşalyan, also is in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
They were invited by the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II.
On early Thursday morning, the two high-ranking clergymen attended the Divine Liturgy devoted to the Feast of Saint Vartan (PHOTOS).
After the mass, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter asked Archbishop Ateşyan whether he will run in the election for the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, and what was the purpose of his visit to Armenia. He, however, did not respond to these queries.
Later in the day, the Catholicos is expected to hold a closed meeting with Archbishop Ateşyan and Bishop Maşalyan.
According to rumors, Karekin II has invited them to Armenia to resolve the current crisis in connection with the forthcoming election for the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople.
