Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

By a Patriarchal directive of His Holiness Garegin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, dated March 16, 2026, the Primate of the Vayots Dzor Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Abraham Mkrtchyan, has been relieved of the office of diocesan primate and called to retirement, based on his written and oral requests.

By the same Patriarchal directive, the Primate of the Syunik Diocese, His Eminence Bishop Makar Hakobyan, has been appointed Locum Tenens of the Vayots Dzor Diocese concurrently, to carry out the duties of the diocesan primate.