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Zaven Der Yeghiayan: A Life of Faith and Leadership

Zaven Der Yeghiayan, also known as Mikayel Der Yeghiayan, was a prominent figure in the Armenian Apostolic Church, serving as the 79th Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople from 1913 to 1922. Born on September 8, 1868, in Mosul, Ottoman Iraq, Zaven received his primary education in Baghdad before continuing his studies at the Armash Theological Seminary.

Zaven's early life was marked by a strong commitment to his faith and community. He became bishop and prelate for Diyarbakir, and later, he was elected Vicar of Karin (Erzurum) in 1898. His role model and patron was Malachia Ormanian, who led the Theological Seminary of Armaş at that time. Zaven's leadership skills and knowledge of Armenian provinces earned him recognition as a cleric.

In 1913, Zaven Der Yeghiayan was elected Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, marking a significant turning point in his life. He moved into his residence in the Gedik Pasha district, where he worked tirelessly to support refugees through the Armenhilfe charity. During this period, he also played a crucial role in negotiations with the Young Turkish Government on Armenian reforms.

However, Zaven's tenure as patriarch was cut short by the devastating events of World War I and the subsequent Armenian Genocide. In 1916, he was deported to Baghdad due to his opposition to the Ottoman government's policies towards Armenians. Despite this setback, Zaven continued to advocate for Armenian rights and worked closely with international organizations.

After the genocide, Zaven Der Yeghiayan returned to Constantinople in 1922 but remained a vocal critic of the Turkish government's actions. He was eventually forced into exile once again, this time moving back to Baghdad in 1927. Throughout his life, Zaven wrote extensively on his experiences and advocated for Armenian causes.

One notable example of Zaven's writing is his memoir "My Patriarchal Memoirs," which provides a detailed eyewitness account of the Armenian Genocide and his efforts to stop it. This work offers valuable insights into the lives of those affected by this tragic event and serves as a testament to Zaven's unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.

Zaven Der Yeghiayan passed away on June 4