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Strict security measures to be undertaken during the events in the St.
Cross Church of Akhtamar
YEREVAN, JULY 23, ARMENPRESS: The Turkish authorities are going to
undertake strict security measures during the events in the St. Cross
Church of Akhtamar in September, Ruben Melkonyan specialist in
Turkology, said today at a news conference, adding that for decades
Turkey has been committing a cultural genocide, eliminating and
distorting Armenian churches and monasteries. `There were about 2000
Armenian churches in Turkey until 1915, and now there are only 42,'
the expert said.
According to him, the liturgy in the St. Cross Church may become a
propaganda tool of Turkey and for preventing it the Armenian side must
display restricted attitude which, essentially, is taking place. It is
seen from the balanced stance of Etchmiadzin. It is possible that the
Mother See will be represented in a delegation headed by one of the
archbishops.
`In this situation the basic dividend the Armenian party may win is
the de jure status of the church,' Melkonyan expressed opinion. Now
the church is considered a monument-museum but if a liturgy is being
conducted there it is necessary to clarify whether a liturgy may be
conducted in a museum.
R. Melkonyan also noted that during the years, destroying Armenian
cultural monuments, Turkey is violating the provisions of the Treaty
of Lausanne with which is committed to ensure protection of the
Armenian monuments.
From: A. Papazian
Cross Church of Akhtamar
YEREVAN, JULY 23, ARMENPRESS: The Turkish authorities are going to
undertake strict security measures during the events in the St. Cross
Church of Akhtamar in September, Ruben Melkonyan specialist in
Turkology, said today at a news conference, adding that for decades
Turkey has been committing a cultural genocide, eliminating and
distorting Armenian churches and monasteries. `There were about 2000
Armenian churches in Turkey until 1915, and now there are only 42,'
the expert said.
According to him, the liturgy in the St. Cross Church may become a
propaganda tool of Turkey and for preventing it the Armenian side must
display restricted attitude which, essentially, is taking place. It is
seen from the balanced stance of Etchmiadzin. It is possible that the
Mother See will be represented in a delegation headed by one of the
archbishops.
`In this situation the basic dividend the Armenian party may win is
the de jure status of the church,' Melkonyan expressed opinion. Now
the church is considered a monument-museum but if a liturgy is being
conducted there it is necessary to clarify whether a liturgy may be
conducted in a museum.
R. Melkonyan also noted that during the years, destroying Armenian
cultural monuments, Turkey is violating the provisions of the Treaty
of Lausanne with which is committed to ensure protection of the
Armenian monuments.
From: A. Papazian