Difficult to understand the attitude of the Patriarchate / AGOS Editorial

The Patriarchate may believe its stance is justified from its own perspective. However, two issues arise here. First, during a visit of such historical significance for Turkey-Armenia relations, the Patriarchate’s stance is hard to comprehend. Beyond that, there are basic rules of courtesy that should be shown to a guest. Second, we must ask this: Is the Catholicos truly a figure entirely outside of politics? Disagreeing with some of Pashinyan’s statements, is one thing, but the Catholicos has also been deeply involved in Armenian politics. We surely remember the support he gave to the opposition movement against Pashinyan in recent years. And earlier years are a completely separate matter.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Turkey marked a significant first in many respects. Although Pashinyan and President Erdoğan have met before within the framework of the normalization efforts, this time President Erdoğan officially invited the Armenian Prime Minister to Turkey, and a "formal" meeting took place at the Dolmabahçe Presidential Working Office in Istanbul.

Since the meeting was held in Istanbul, it was entirely natural for Pashinyan to engage in some local visits. Within this scope, a gathering was organized with the Armenian community and institutions in Istanbul. The event was coordinated by Nairi Bedrosyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. First and foremost, we must thank Bedrosyan for organizing this productive meeting. Just as Pashinyan’s visit was historic, so was this gathering.

However, the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey chose not to send a representative to the meeting. Patriarch Maşalyan was in the United States, but a delegate could have attended in his place. The absence of any representative clearly appeared to be a deliberate decision. On the same day, we learned that the Patriarchate was also closed, even though a visit by Pashinyan to the Holy Mother Church in Kumkapı was on the official program.

Pashinyan did go to Kumkapı, but no clergy were there to greet him. This also led to public reactions. Finally, after several days of silence, the Patriarchate issued a statement on Wednesday.

Recalling Pashinyan's harsh criticisms directed at Catholicos Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Patriarchate stated, "Our Patriarchate deemed it appropriate to make its disapproval felt to the Honorable Prime Minister." The statement also included "Events that went beyond accusing the Church as an institution, were carried out with political motives, and exceeded the boundaries of legal polemics."

The Patriarchate may believe its stance is justified from its own perspective. However, two issues arise here. First, during a visit of such historical significance for Turkey-Armenia relations, the Patriarchate’s stance is hard to comprehend. Beyond that, there are basic rules of courtesy that should be shown to a guest.

Second, we must ask this: Is the Catholicos truly a figure entirely outside of politics? Disagreeing with some of Pashinyan’s statements, is one thing, but the Catholicos has also been deeply involved in Armenian politics. We surely remember the support he gave to the opposition movement against Pashinyan in recent years. And earlier years are a completely separate matter.

In short, it is quite difficult to say that we find the Patriarchate’s stance understandable. Indeed, Pashinyan’s words during the meeting, in response to a question, "If they do not come to this meeting, I will go to them." was met with applause, is also an indication.

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