Page 62 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

Hierarchy and Decision-making
63
while in other dioceses they are elected
by the parish assemblies. Clergy delegates
are elected either by the diocesan Religious
Council or the diocesan Assembly of Clergy.
The Diocesan National Representative As-
sembly meets at least once a year to evaluate
the activities of the diocese and to set
priorities for the next period. The diocesan
primate is elected by the Diocesan National
Representative Assembly on the basis of a
list of three names submitted by the catho-
licos. Canonically a diocesan primate is
elected for life; however, in the last few
decades, some dioceses have fixed a period
of four or six years for the ministry of the
primate, who is eligible for reelection.
– The Diocesan Council, which is the
executive body of the diocese, is elected by
the Diocesan National Representative Assem-
bly for a period of two years. It consists of
two separate bodies, the Religious Council and
the Lay Council, each having equal member-
ship. The first deals with religious matters
and the second with finance and adminis-
tration through specialized committees. They
meet together in case of necessity.
– The Parish Assembly is composed of
members of the parish. It elects the parish
council and evaluates the overall activities
of the parish. It generally meets once or
twice a year.