President Armen Sarkissian sent a letter of condolences on the passing of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, Mesrob Archbishop Mutafyan

I learned with great sorrow the news on the passing of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, Mesrob Archbishop Mutafyan.

For decades, Mesrob Archbishop Mutafyan was carrying on his shoulders the cross of serving his people and his faith. He was not only a faithful servant of the Armenian Apostolic Church, but also, as the 84th Patriarch of Istanbul, one of our spiritual pillars which supported a large community along with its language and faith preservation problems.

Mesrob Archbishop Mutafyan was a devotee of the Christian faith who turned his spiritual mission into a holly duty before the people and God. He is an indivisible part of the modern history of Armenian community of Istanbul. I recall warmly our meetings at the Prelacy in Istanbul, in Armenia, and abroad, our conversations about the Armenian Church and our history.

At this moment of grief, I express my sincere condolences to the Acting Patriarch Aram Archbishop Ateshyan, to the congregation, conclave, members of spiritual council of the Patriarchate, and all Armenians of Turkey.

I also expressed my deep condolences to the family and friends of Mesrob Archbishop Mutafyan.