Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan (Source: Agos)

ISTANBUL—The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul has decided to appeal to the Turkish authorities for permission to hold elections for a new patriarch, according to the statement published on their official website. The unanimous decision was made during their meeting on October 26.

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan has withdrawn from his duties since 2008. Since then, the Religious council voted Archbishop Aram Ateshyan to lead the Patriarchate, awaiting the election of a new Patriarch.

Wednesday’s meeting officially voted that Archbishop Mutafyan’s position is vacant. Archbishop Mutafyan has headed the Istanbul Patriarchate since 1998.