A Patriarchal Election Caught Between the Millet System and Today’s Realities
The 85th Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople was elected on December 11, 2019 by a large margin of the votes of the delegates representing primarily civilians as well as the clergy. Bishop Sahak Mashalian has become Patriarch Sahak II. This election took place under the rules set by the government of Turkey, which has limited the candidates to bishops who are based in the region under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate. This meant that there were only two approved candidates—Archbishop Aram Ateshian and Bishop Sahak Mashalian. It is not clear if Cologne-based Archbishop Karekin Bekciyan was not in the race due to personal choice or whether he was barred from running. Certainly, the procedures adopted by the Interior Ministry were intended to exclude a favorite candidate of many—Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian—who is based in Armenia, but born in Turkey. If not patently, his supporters in large part led a latent campaign of no participation, protesting the elections under this format. The impact of that campaign and how much it impacted the lackluster participation levels remains controversial.
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An excellent commentary both in content and messaging. The intent of the Turkish government involvement is to divide the community and weaken the Patriarchate. By establishing impractical criteria , they limit the leadership capability. Imagine using a criteria that was in effect before they murdered 1.5 million of their citizens including over 5,000 clergy. They closed the seminary over 40 years ago and now constrain the candidate criteria. This sounds like a not so subtle attempt to destroy the effectiveness in the Patriarchate …rendering the community vulnerable. Another example of oppression continuing.
The Patriarchs comments recently were absurd and unnecessary. They are many ways to protect the community this type of commentary that is comparable to Ateshian’s apology when the German parliament recognized the genocide. Most unfortunate.
May you rest in peace, Edvin. The diaspora has lost an invaluable link between our homeland and the far-flung communities Armenian Genocide survivors were forced to flee. For more than 100 years, the internal life of our remaining community in Turkey has been somewhat of a mystery to the rest of us, serving to keep us apart and at times distrustful of one another, when the opposite is necessary for the survival and progress of our nation. You were that vital interpreter that helped those of us separated from our brethren in Turkey understand what they are going through, take an interest, extend our support, visit and exchange views. Thank you so much for this major contribution, and may God enlighten your soul.