Today, on 11 December, white smoke rose from the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Kum Kapu. By an absolute majority of votes, Bishop Sahak Mashalian was elected Patriarch of Constantinople.
Thus, after remaining vacant for twelve years, the historic see of Constantinople has found its occupant, and Bishop Sahak Mashalian has become the 85th Patriarch of Constantinople.
The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople will build a new community with a new composition, new programmes and new initiatives. This was announced by the newly elected Patriarch, Bishop Sahak Mashalian, addressing representatives of the community and clergy in the Holy Mother of God Cathedral. “There is a need for renewal, spiritually and mentally. Our institutions need to be renovated; my election shall be the first step. We have before us the example of leadership — Jesus Christ, who washed the feet of his disciples, showing how to be a good shepherd. Today you did not elect a patriarch; you elected the first servant of God and the nation,” Bishop Sahak Mashalian said, according to Armenpress.
