THE ARMENIANS OF CYPRUS 19 l The Armenian Prelature (2013). The Armenian Prelature The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus was established in 973 by Catholicos Khatchig I and has ever since maintained a continuous presence on the island. Historically, the Prelature has been under the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. There are two parish priests, Fr. Momik Habeshian (Nicosia, 2000) and Fr. Mashdots Ashkarian (Larnaca/Limassol, 1992). The Prelature has its own premises (1984), next to the Nicosia Nareg School and the Virgin Mary cathedral. By initiative of Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, the basement of the Prelature was renovated in 1998 and the multifunctional "Vahram Utidjian" Hall took shape, named after its benefactor. The Prelature’s consistory houses a collection of ecclesiastical relics, some of which were previously kept in the old Virgin Mary cathedral in Nicosia or the Magaravank. The Prelature’s Charter consists of 79 articles and, in its present form, applies as of 2010. Administration is exercised by the Armenian Ethnarchy (Azkayin Ishkhanoutiun) through the Diocesan Council (Yerespokhanagan Joghov) and the Administrative Council (Azkayin Varchoutiun). There are also local parish committees and ladies’ committees (Nicosia, Larnaka, Limassol). The Prelature receives an annual grant from the government.