OPENING OF SAINT CROSS CHURCH IN AKHTAMAR TO TAKE PLACE APRIL 14
PanARMENIAN.Net
21.02.2007 18:13 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Reconstruction of Saint Cross on Akhtamar island
is of political and economic importance, Samvel Karapetian, historian
and chairman of Era NGO said in Yerevan. The opening ceremony of the
church will take place April 14, 2007.
"Saint Cross is a church that Turks did not dare to demolish event at
the times of mass destruction of churches at the territory of Western
Armenia. Thanks to its world fame the church was saved from vandalism.
Now it’s being reconstructed. More and more tourists are coming to see
it and this has a positive impact on the local economy," he said. The
Armenian historian considers that heads of province administrations
come to understand what a great mistake their grandfathers had
committed by demolishing ancient monasteries and churches, since now
these sights could attract tourists. Karapetian underscored that "it’s
the fault of Armenians who lost their importance and thus allowed Turks
thinking of economic profit form reconstructing Armenian monuments."
"It would be a miracle if an Armenian nameboard would be fastened
next to the Turkish and English ones," Karapetian said adding Turks
will never do that, reports IA Regnum.
The Saint Cross Church was built in 915-921 by architect Manvel under
the rule of King Gagik Artsruni. The reconstruction was started in
May 2005 and finished August 30, 2006.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
