Protest Actions in Istanbul Did Not Darken Garegin II Visit

39 churches, 17 Armenian schools function in Istanbul, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II stated upon completion of his patriarchal visit to Istanbul. «We were glad to see our compatriots in Istanbul. The 600-year-long history of Constantinople Patriarchy is preserved,» Garegin II said. He emphasized he does not think statements on the Armenian Genocide can change Turkish authorities attitude towards the Armenian community of Istanbul. «We did not express hatred or hostility in our words, we just stated the truth,» the Catholicos said. He said that protest actions in Istanbul, that the authorities characterized as actions of extremist groupings, did not darken his visit, reports the Press Service of Holy Echmiadzin.