The process of electing the next Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople has recorded a new undesirable developments, as a result of the recent meeting between the Armenian community representatives and Turkish authorities.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople has issued a statement stressing that, considering the Governorship of Istanbul’s recent letter addressed to the Patriarchate—and in which it was stressed that the Turkish state continues recognizing Archbishop Aram Ateşyan as General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople and deems unlawful Archbishop Karekin Bekçiyan’s election as Patriarch locum tenens and his decisions—a meeting of the Religious Council was held.

At the meeting it was decided to return to the situation in 2010, when Archbishop Ateşyan was designated General Vicar by the authorities; that is, he will continue to carry out the respective duties.

Also, it was noted that Archbishop Bekçiyan, who was elected Patriarch locum tenens last year, did not attend this Religious Council meeting, and he verbally informed about his resignation.