AAC Constantinople Patriarch goes on sick leave
Patriarch of Constantinople, His Holiness Mesrop Mutafyan was operated on for his thyroid gland and will not perform his duties for a certain period of time.
As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from the Armenian community of Istanbul, the Patriarch went on a 6-month sick leave. "The Spiritual Council represented by Archbishop Aram Ateshyan and Shahan Ayvazyan will assume his duties," the source said.
Archbishop Mutafyan has headed the Constantinople Patriarchate since 1998. If he is disabled, the Armenian community should elect a new spiritual leader, according to the Turkish Constitution. Afterwards, the candidacy is forwarded to the Turkish government, which approves or rejects it.
As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from the Armenian community of Istanbul, the Patriarch went on a 6-month sick leave. "The Spiritual Council represented by Archbishop Aram Ateshyan and Shahan Ayvazyan will assume his duties," the source said.
Archbishop Mutafyan has headed the Constantinople Patriarchate since 1998. If he is disabled, the Armenian community should elect a new spiritual leader, according to the Turkish Constitution. Afterwards, the candidacy is forwarded to the Turkish government, which approves or rejects it.
