No.  970

June 20, 2013

Mr. Ara Boyajyan, Chairman
Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church in Canada

Mr. Meguerditch Kanondjian, Vice Chair
Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church in Canada

Montreal, CANADA

Dear Sirs,

We have received the letter of Very Rev. Aren Jebejian, Primate-elect of the 30th Diocesan Delegates’ Assembly as well as your letter regarding his resignation.

We commend Very Reverend Fr. Aren Jebejian for his gracious decision, considerate of the general interests of the Canadian Diocese and the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

In response to the request of the Diocesan Council, by Pontifical decree we appoint His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan to serve in the Diocese of Canada as Locum Tenens with all the canonic rights of a Primate, to manage the daily activities of the Diocese and organize the 31st Diocesan Delegates Assembly during which new elections will take place. In this regard, we inform you that during the next election Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan cannot be a candidate. His Eminence will arrive in Canada until July 10, 2013.

Regretfully, the election of the Primate brought uncertainties and turmoil in the Diocese of the Armenian Church, following which the newly elected Primate resigned, for the well being and benefit of our Diocese. It is our Pontifical wish to the beloved members of our Church, to be steadfast and keep the Christ thought love towards one another, be united and continue working towards the strengthening of the Canadian Armenian Diocese. Now, beloved members of our Church, with loyal and peaceful spirit, support each other and bring in new spirit in the life of your community and Diocese. Through your good efforts, you will increase the grace of the Holy Spirit and the Blessing of our Lord in the life of our people and the Apostolic Mother Church.

Our Pontifical appreciation goes to the members of the Diocesan Council for their dedicated service. May the Almighty Lord bless them in their God pleasing and nation building meaningful work.

We pray God to keep our Church under His Holy Right hand, protect and preserve the Diocese of Canada, bless our beloved faithful of the Diocese leading them to nation building, Church dedicated commendable achievements and grant them all well.

May the Grace, Love and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

With blessings,

Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians

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