ARMENIAN TO HEAD PATRIARCHATE IN TURKEY FOR FIRST TIME
news.am
Feb 19 2010
Armenia
For the first time Armenian citizen claims for tenure in Armenian
Patriarchate of Turkey of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the
Bishop of Diocese of Gougark Sebouh Chuljyan Primate, Hurriyet Daily
News & Economic Review reports.
If Chuljyan wins, he will be 85th Armenian Patriarch in Turkey. Under
Ottoman regulations as of 1861, a bishop can be the patriarch of
Armenians in Turkey if his father was born in Turkey, the source says.
Referring to Surp Kevork Armenian church (St. Gregory) in Istanbul,
Chuljyan said "the church will be kept away from politics."
"We will not repeat the previous mistakes. Let politicians deal with
politics. I will put effort into enhancing the dialogue between the
Turkish and Armenian peoples. We need to look deep in each other’s
eyes and talk about grievances," the source quotes Bishop.
Chuljyan also touched upon Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, noting that
"this chance to open the path of dialogue between the two peoples
should not be missed."
The bishop criticized the West, attaching significance to Germany’s
responsibility in 1915 events. "I would like to think that those who
try to act as mediators between the Turkish and Armenian people are
trying to get rid of the burden of their consciences. However, they
have their interests in mind once again, in the form of the Caucasus,"
he added.
Chuljyan also spoke of Surb Khach (Armenian church in Akhtamar Island)
reopening for prayers, expressing confidence "that the Turkish people
have respect for all beliefs. I believe they will understand the
importance of Surb Khach for Armenians."