NOTE: = 8 =

COPY OF THE DECREE OF THE SUBLIME PORTE

To the Prudent Locum Tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate: Concerning the condition and the reform of the administration of the Armenian Patriarchate, the Constitution, drafted by the Commission previously established by the Sublime Porte—after the revision of several points relating purely to temporal affairs—was presented to the August Sovereign; and, having been accepted by His Imperial Majesty, the Imperial decree was graciously granted, committing it to Your Holiness that the articles contained [therein] be observed as the rule henceforth. Wherefore, sending the said Constitution enclosed unto You, we command that, overseeing henceforth the flawless execution of the articles contained [therein], You take care to put into effect what is right and proper, in accordance with the Supreme Will of the August Emperor. 17 March 1863

COPY OF THE DECREE OF THE SUBLIME PORTE

To the Sagacious Efendi, Locum Tenens [Qā’im-maqām] of the Armenian Patriarch: Concerning the reform of the condition and administration of the Armenian Patriarchate, after the correction of certain parts pertaining purely to worldly affairs in the regulation [nizāmnāme] drafted by the commission formerly formed at the Sublime Porte [Bāb-ı ‘Ālī], upon its submission to the exalted presence of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan [Pādishāh], and having met with high imperial approval, the Imperial Edict and Command of His Sovereign Majesty has been honorably issued and decreed regarding the referral to your Friendly quarters of the matter of henceforth adopting its contained articles as a regulation; and the said regulation having been enclosed and transmitted herewith, in accordance with the tenor of the imperial decree of His Imperial Majesty, the articles contained in the said regulation shall henceforth be held as a code of conduct [destūr ül-‘amel], and zeal shall be exerted toward the fulfillment of its requirements. On the 9th of Shawwāl, [1]279 [March 29, 1863].