Patriarchate's statement before the visit to Etchmiadzin: there cannot be any instruction

Patriarchate of Armenians of Turkey made a statement a week after the resignation of Sahak Maşalyan, which is the development that triggered the crisis.

In the statement titled “Announcement from the Seat of Patriarchate”, it is confirmed that Sahak Maşalyan and Aram Ateşyan will go to Etchmiadzin in Armenia. The visit that will be paid upon the invitation of Karekin II is defined as “praying and consultation”. It is also stated that Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian, Primate Diocese of the Armenian Church of Germany, will also attend that meeting in Etchmiadzin. 

In the statement from the Patriarchate, it is stated: "Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul is administratively autonomous. Thus, it is clear that the process of election cannot be directed outside of our Patriarchate. In this regard, there cannot be any instruction. After a moral and spiritual purification, concrete steps will be taken with the return of our bishops from the Holy Etchmiadzin." It is also stated that a trustee will be chosen, a new Enterprising Committee will be formed and then an application will be made to Istanbul Governor's Office.

On Friday, Bishop Sahak Maşalyan made a statement concerning the invitation from Catholicos Karekin II. Maşalyan stated that Karekin II called him and expressed his concerns about the course of action concerning the patriarchal election. Maşalyan stated that Karekin II said that he was going to invite Primate Diocese of the Armenian Church of Germany Karekin Bekdjian as well to find a solution for the election altogether. 

It is expected that Ateşyan, Maşalyan and Bekdjian will go to Armenia this week to come together with Catholicos Karekin II.