Interview with Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, Locum Tenens of the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem

By Siranuysh Papyan

Authenticity of Results of Voting Never Arouses Doubt

Your Eminence, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem will be elected on January 23-25. Are there any new candidates? Are there any news? During the general meeting of the brotherhood we expect that our internal and external brothers, about 30-32 people, will make a list of candidates and each participant must write the names of five persons and those five who will get more votes will be the candidates. During the next meeting of the brotherhood one of them will be elected patriarch of the Holy Apostolic See of Jerusalem. A doctor or a bishop aged above 35 can participate in the election. During the meeting of the brotherhood we will learn who enjoys the confidence of the majority of the brotherhood.

Is there a rivalry among the four candidates? Is the race equitable? Doctor Babken says there are no controversies among the candidates. Doctor Babken is right because there are no controversies and an overt rivalry among the members of our brotherhood. As I said, the candidates will be officially identified during the meeting of the brotherhood, and the official list of candidates will be made by voting of the brotherhood.

What will be your priorities if you are elected patriarch? Doctor Babken said St. James’s Church needs renovation, as well as protection of lands is urgent. Is land leased for 99 years lost.

We are aware of all these issues because we see the problems from the inside. Doctor

Babken lives in the United States and learns about these issues from afar.

These issues are not issues identified by this candidate. This is the general concern of the brotherhood because out brotherhood is responsible for the protection of our land, holy places, so we are well-aware of the issues we are facing. As a patriarchy we have monastic issues and I know that every member of the brotherhood knows about reconstruction and renovation needs, budget issues and so on. Hence, I cannot say what issue needs to be put forth. There are a number of issues that concern everyone and it is the duty of every one of us to deal with these issues.

To what degree can the election be transparent and fair? Will all the brothers vote honestly or will they try to “grab” votes? How do the patriarchal elections differ from political elections by transparency?

You asked a good question. We do not need to invite observers from European countries to control our voting. In this sense, our voting is secret, free and transparent. So the authenticity of the results of the voting never arouses doubts. During the voting we will designate a threeparty commission, the electoral commission, and each member will read the names written on the ballot in the presence of everyone, so there is no fraud.

The Armenian press reported that land owned by the patriarchy was sold under Patriarch Torkom. What is the state of affairs?

No land was sold under Patriarch Torkom, only leased for 99 years which is not sale. 99 years later those lands will be returned to the Holy See. The leased land brings income to the Holy See but no land was solved during the tenure of Patriarch Torkom.