news.am, Armenia
Sept 19 2010
Liturgy in Surb Khach church over (video)
September 19, 2010 | 15:19
A liturgy in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island, Van, Turkey, is
over (Photos).
In conclusion, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan delivered a speech, calling
for fraternity and peace between Armenians and Turks, the NEWS.am
correspondent reports from Turkey. He expressed his gratitude to the
Turkish authorities for their permission for annual religious services
at the church. Archbishop Ateshyan expressed his regret that Patriarch
Mesrob Mutafyan was unable to take part in the liturgy. He was the
first to raise the issue of renovation of Surb Khach church before the
Turkish authorities.
A group of Armenian believers raised wooden crosses, protesting
against the fact the a cross was not placed atop the church before the
liturgy.
The liturgy passed without any incidents.
Only the Constantinople Patriarchate participated in the liturgy. The
three other patriarchates of the Armenian Apostolic Church refused to
take part in the liturgy, as the Turkish authorities refused to
install a cross on atop the church. Armenian public representatives
also refused to take part in the liturgy for the same reason, though
they received invitations from the Turkish Premier. The public figures
stated that Surb Khach church cannot be considered restored until a
cross has been installed on its dome.
Watch the Hurriyet video at
From: A. Papazian
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