YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Aram Archbishop Ateshyan, Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, has returned to Istanbul. Ateshyan has cancelled his scheduled trip to Armenia in connection with the outrage linked to his letter to Turkish President Erdogan.

The Armenian “Zhamanak” daily of Istanbul reports about the cancellation of the visit.

Aram Ateshyan had departed for Russia on June 15. The website of the Patriarchate said Ateshyan would head to Armenia from Russia to take part in the events organized as part of Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia.

However, Ateshyan’s recent letter to Turkish President Erdogan in regard to the Bundestag’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, has sparked outrage among Armenians of Turkey, the Diaspora and Armenia. A protest initiative had been launched in Armenia against Ateshyan’s visit.

“Zhamanak” reports that taking into consideration the sentiments, Ateshyan decided to cancel his visit, in order to avoid possible unpleasant incidents during the days of Pope Francis’ visit.