THE CHURCH OF AKHTAMAR HAS NO CROSS YET

armradio.am
06.03.2007 12:33

"Construction or renovation of the Church completes only when the
cross is placed," RA Deputy Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs
Gagik Gyurjyan told Armenpress, commenting on the recent disagreements
in Turkey connected with placing the cross on the Holy Cross Church
of Akhtamar.

Currently the Turkish Ministry of Culture is discussing the question
of placing a cross on the Church of the Holy Cross. The Deputy Culture
Minister is confident that the Turkish side will not oppose the idea
of placing a cross on the Church, since it is compulsory for Armenian
Churches. Besides, there are a number of Armenian Churches in Istanbul,
which carry a cross.

When starting the reconstruction of the Church, the Armenian side
presented its suggestions.

One architect and one bricklayer from Armenia participated in the
reconstruction works.

Gagik Gyurjyan informed also that RA Minister of Culture and Youth
Affairs has not received an official invitation from the Turkish side
to attend the opening ceremony of the Church on March 29.