By Daoud Kuttab

Father Koryoun Baghdasaryan, the newly appointed director of real estate at the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem, told Milhalard.org that he plans to conduct collective decision-making when it comes to the handling of property belonging to the Patriarchate. “My priority will be to protect all our property and to conduct our business through a collective decision-making process.” Baghdasaryan was speaking at the Century Park Hotel in Amman. He had come to Jordan to participate in the laying to rest of the Armenian archbishop in Jordan. “I was appointed Wednesday and came to Jordan Thursday. I haven’t yet entered my new office,” he said.

Father Baghdasraryan, who came to Jerusalem in 1995 from Armenia, was one of 17 priests who opposes the leasing of church property in an area of Jerusalem’s old city commonly knowns as the cow garden. “I was opposed to the idea of setting up a seven-star hotel on church land next to our patriarchate,” he said. The new director of real estate said, though, that he plans to study all issues related to the controversial lease before making any judgment. “I plan to spend my time reading and familiarizing myself with all aspects of the issue. The new church official said that his study will also include a discussion with the previous director of real estate at the Patriarchate.

Father Baret Yeretzian, often referred to as the right hand to the Armenian Patriarch Nourlan Manoogian in Jerusalem confirmed to Milhalard that he was relieved of his duties.  “Yes, it’s true,” he said. “I am happy and relieved I wish all the best.”  Yeretzian made a mixed remark towards the Jordanians who are the custodians of the Holy Places in Jerusalem. “I have full respect and love towards the Hashemite Kingdom and to His Majesty Abdullah II.” Yeretzian also said that he would love to meet His Majesty and he has a lot to say to him. “Let me add, the Jordanians cannot say anything about me because I know the truth.  Whoever wants to say anything I am ready to challenge them. I have full respect and love for the Hashemite family. Unfortunately, I have no means to meet His majesty personally and tell him the truth.”

Yeretzian said that he wishes the new director of real estate the best. “The last four years I was asking someone to help me so that I would have let him continue the work. This job is not printed on my forehead that I will be there forever. Change is very important to all.”

Orer.eu an Armenian European magazine published a report on the new appointment and noted that Father Koryouan is a diplomat of the patriarchate, and he was among “the clergy who last year opposed the procedure of expropriation of the parking lot next to the patriarchate an area called Cow Garden.