MORE ARMENIANS EXPECTED TO VISIT VAN CITY IN TURKEY
news.am
Aug 11, 2011
Armenia
VAN. – After the visit of Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop
Aram Ateshyan to the Surb Khach (Saint Cross) Armenian Church on the
island of Akhtamar, the preparatory works were accelerated for the
recurring liturgy to be held on September 11.
More Armenians are expected to visit for the liturgy, Turkish Haberler
reports. Head of the local administration (kaimakam) of Van region
stated that a special interest is observed for the liturgy this year.
According to the Archbishop, the absence of the cross on the cupola
of the church resulted protests last year. This year the cross is
set and Ateshyan hopes there will be no reasons for a protest.
Only the delegation of the Constantinople patriarchate was present
at the liturgy last year. As other Armenian spiritual centers, the
Holy See of Echmiadzin, Jerusalem Patriarch and Catholicosate of the
Great House of Cilicia, refused to participate in the liturgy.
The cross was set on the cupola 10 days after the liturgy on September
30 last year. It was consecrated by the celebrant of the spiritual
Council of Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Tatul Anushyan.