news.am, Armenia
Jan 15 2010

Armenians wish to have Surb Khach open once a year

18:22 / 01/15/2010Armenians of Turkey wish Surb Khach church on
Akhtamar Island (church functions as museum) to be open for services
once a year, Agos daily editor Serkis Seropyan told NEWS.am.

According to him, for instance the Holy Cross of Varag holiday
celebrated September 12 can be set on a day when the church opens.
`However, nothing has been specified yet,’ he said, commenting on
statement by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay.
Earlier, Gunay stated that cross will not be placed on the top, ruling
out possibility of services’ conduction.

Seropyan underlined that a while ago authorities pledged to place a
cross and invited Armenian experts. However, it remained in name not
in deed. The journalist recalled that the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
closed for both Muslim and Christian services. Meanwhile, editor did
not rule out the possibility that Armenians will be allowed to conduct
services once a year.

A.G.