MESROB MUTAFYAN DEMANDS TO PLACE A CROSS ATOP HOLY CROSS CHURCH IN AKHTAMAR

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.03.2007 15:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Constantinople Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic
Church Mesrob Mutafyan turned to the Turkish government demanding to
return the cross to its original place on the renovated Holy Cross
Church on Akhtamar island. Turkish Daily News reports that Patriarch’s
letter was sent to the Turkish MFA three days ago. Patriarch Mutafyan
in his letter also says that the church must function not as a museum,
but as a working temple. Nevertheless, the priest; stated that he is
happy for the opening of Holy Cross.

"I congratulate everyone who realized this project," the Turkish
newspaper reports.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Levent Bilman confirmed the request
in his weekly press conference, and said the ministry will report
its view to the Ministry of Culture, but it would take some time. The
newspaper reminds that Armenian Deputy Culture Minister Gagik Gyurjian
will represent his country in today’s inauguration, who is leading to
an Armenian delegation composed of experts, architects. The publication
underlines that the Armenian delegation made the entry to Turkey from
Georgia since the border between Turkey and Armenia has been closed
since 1993.

"However, having been under strong pressure because of a resolution
proposed to the U.S. House of Representatives that calls on the
United States to accept that a genocide occurred during World War I,
Turkey is aiming to gain the sympathy of Armenians using the opening
ceremony of Akhtamar," Turkish Daily News underscores.

In its part Zaman newspaper notes along with his letter Patriarch
Mesrob has sent old photographs of the Holy Cross Church, where clearly
is visible the metal cross atop the dome of the church. Levent Bilman
said this issue will be thoroughly examined.