Turkey's policy managed to create an atmosphere of fear among Istanbul's Armenian community, which later extended to clergy, according to expert Ruben Melkonyan .

Istanbul's Armenian community faces serious legal status-related problems, the expert told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

Dwelling on oncoming election of co-patriarch at the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Melkonyan noted that Istanbul's Armenian community wishes to see Bishop Sebouh Chouldjian as co-patriarch.

"Sebouh Chouldjian's election campaign was brilliant. The Bishop advanced new and brave ideas, which were in synch with Armenian community's position; namely, modernisation of Armenian schools and cessation of outmarriages" Ruben Melkonyan stated, characterizing Sebouh Chouldjian as the spiritual leader community needs.

The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople also known as Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul is today head of The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, one of the smallest Patriarchates of the Oriental Orthodox Church but has exerted a very significant political role and today still exercises a spiritual authority, which earns him considerable respect among Oriental Orthodox churches.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople recognizes the primacy of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Armenian Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia, in matters that pertain to the worldwide Armenian Church. In local matters, the Patriarchal See is autonomous.