The annual liturgy at the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van has been cancelled, the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul reports.

“The pilgrimage to Akhtamar planned for September 6 has been cancelled,” the Patriarchate said in a statement.

The decision was made, considering the terrorist acts committed over the past day. “The liturgy has been postponed to avoid creating security problems in Van and the surrounding areas,” the Patriarchate added.