From Arthur Hagopian
Jerusalem, Oct 22 - The priestly Brotherhood of St James, of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, have elected a new Locum Tenens following the death of the late patriarch, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian.
Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, who was elected by an absolute majority, has been director of the Patriarchate's Ecumenical and Foreign Relations department.
A man known for his unflappable, diplomatic acumen, his calm demeanor, polished manners and ingrained sense of discipline and control will prove pivotal at this crucial moment in the variegated history of the Armenian presence in Jerusalem.
Born in Haifa, in 1934, in what was then British mandated Palestine, and now Israel, he was ordained celibate priest in 1957 and elevated to the rank of bishop in 1974.
He primary task is to ensure a smooth succession, by overseeing the forthcoming election of a new patriarch, after 40 days of mourning for the late reformist, Manoogian.
Members of the Brotherhood of St James, who are ordained as priests in Jerusalem, are scattered all over the world, and they will be invited to attend the special assembly that will be convened to elect a new head of the Armenian church in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, Oct 22 - The priestly Brotherhood of St James, of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, have elected a new Locum Tenens following the death of the late patriarch, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian.
Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, who was elected by an absolute majority, has been director of the Patriarchate's Ecumenical and Foreign Relations department.
A man known for his unflappable, diplomatic acumen, his calm demeanor, polished manners and ingrained sense of discipline and control will prove pivotal at this crucial moment in the variegated history of the Armenian presence in Jerusalem.
Born in Haifa, in 1934, in what was then British mandated Palestine, and now Israel, he was ordained celibate priest in 1957 and elevated to the rank of bishop in 1974.
He primary task is to ensure a smooth succession, by overseeing the forthcoming election of a new patriarch, after 40 days of mourning for the late reformist, Manoogian.
Members of the Brotherhood of St James, who are ordained as priests in Jerusalem, are scattered all over the world, and they will be invited to attend the special assembly that will be convened to elect a new head of the Armenian church in Jerusalem.