The spiritual council of Constantinople Patriarchate of Armenian Apostolic Church has approved the candidacy of His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan to the post of Co-Patriarch by the majority of votes.
Current Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan, 54, who will remain the spiritual leader of the Armenian community until the end of his life, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after serving in the position for 11 years.
In December 2009, the spiritual council submitted an application to the relevant authorities regarding the selection of a co-ruler. The election was initially scheduled for May 12, but was postponed due to some discord within the community.
