Turkey: No bells ring to mark 100th anniversary of Armenian genocide

Armenian churches around the world began ringing their bells at 19.15 yesterday - the hour chosen to symbolically recall the year 1915 - and in this way commemorate the eve of the hundredth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The initiative, proposed by Patriarch Karekin II, united Armenian communities around the world.

But there was one notable exception. The churches of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, throughout the Turkish territory did not participate in the event.

The bilingual Armenian weekly newspapers in Istanbul reported that Archbishop Aram Ateshian, current General Vicar of the Patriarchate, said that the Armenian communities will simply mark the anniversary with Requiem Masses and prayers, but without the hundred ringing of the church bells.

The current Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople is still formally Patriarch Mesrob II, but he has been suffering from a serious illness for the past seven years and unable to carry out his duties - which are being taken care of by Archbishop Aram Ateshian.

The Armenian Apostolic community of Turkey is discussing his possible succession. Some are calling for the election of a Co-Patriarch with full functions, who could assume leadership of the Patriarchate.

Source: Fides