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PROCEEDS FROM CANDLE SALE AT AKHTAMAR~RS SURB KHACH ARMENIAN CHURCH WILL BE DONATED TO SOMALIA
news.am
Sept 12 2011
Armenia
VAN. - After last year, the second Holy Mass was celebrated on Sunday
at Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Armenian church on Akhtamar Island in Van.
The Turkish police and gendarmerie carried out a very tight security
during the event, which took place without any incidents.
In comparison with the year past, those who attended this year's
Holy Liturgy were considerably less, but this time the Holy Cross was
placed on the church and there were more pilgrims from Armenia. During
the mass, there were approximately 2,000 people on the island, but
people continued to visit throughout the day, Armenian News-NEWS.am's
reporter informed from Van.
The port, which carries out boat service between Akhtamar Island and
the mainland, was renovated and new boats were added. The first thing
that caught the eye upon approaching the island is the Turkish flags,
which were nonexistent last year. Also, there were less media covering
the event this year, and the Turkish TRT state television was carrying
out live broadcasts.
Also this year, great number of pilgrims was able to enter the church,
as this was not the case last year because of the invited officials.
To note, proceeds from the candle sale at the church will be donated
to Somalia relief.
During the Holy Mass, around 10 extreme nationalists held a protest at
the port of Akhtamar, read a statement, waved Turkish and Azerbaijani
flags, and left.
In comparison with 2010, the city of Van was more passive; many did
not even know as to the date and time of the Holy Liturgy.
No Armenian official attended this event. In addition, Armenian
Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, had
stated that no invitations were to be made this year, underscoring
that the Holy Cross is on the church this time, and therefore there
is no reason not to attend the Holy Mass.
From: A. Papazian
news.am
Sept 12 2011
Armenia
VAN. - After last year, the second Holy Mass was celebrated on Sunday
at Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Armenian church on Akhtamar Island in Van.
The Turkish police and gendarmerie carried out a very tight security
during the event, which took place without any incidents.
In comparison with the year past, those who attended this year's
Holy Liturgy were considerably less, but this time the Holy Cross was
placed on the church and there were more pilgrims from Armenia. During
the mass, there were approximately 2,000 people on the island, but
people continued to visit throughout the day, Armenian News-NEWS.am's
reporter informed from Van.
The port, which carries out boat service between Akhtamar Island and
the mainland, was renovated and new boats were added. The first thing
that caught the eye upon approaching the island is the Turkish flags,
which were nonexistent last year. Also, there were less media covering
the event this year, and the Turkish TRT state television was carrying
out live broadcasts.
Also this year, great number of pilgrims was able to enter the church,
as this was not the case last year because of the invited officials.
To note, proceeds from the candle sale at the church will be donated
to Somalia relief.
During the Holy Mass, around 10 extreme nationalists held a protest at
the port of Akhtamar, read a statement, waved Turkish and Azerbaijani
flags, and left.
In comparison with 2010, the city of Van was more passive; many did
not even know as to the date and time of the Holy Liturgy.
No Armenian official attended this event. In addition, Armenian
Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, had
stated that no invitations were to be made this year, underscoring
that the Holy Cross is on the church this time, and therefore there
is no reason not to attend the Holy Mass.
From: A. Papazian