Armenians pray in Holy Cross Church amid tight security measures
September 9, 2012 - 15:34 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Local and Diaspora Armenians flocked to the Armenian
Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Turkey's eastern
province of Van on Sunday, Sept 9, to attend its third annual
religious ceremony.
Today's Zaman reports that many Armenians traveled to the town of
GevaĆ? in the eastern province of Van early Sunday morning by bus or
minibus, to take the 20-minute journey the island in boats.
Attendees lit candles and prayed in the southern part of the church
during the ceremony which at 11.00 am amid tight security measures.
The Church of the Holy Cross was in ruins and on the verge of collapse
when a restoration project was launched in 2005. It officially opened
for worship on Sept 12, 2010.
From: A. Papazian
September 9, 2012 - 15:34 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Local and Diaspora Armenians flocked to the Armenian
Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Turkey's eastern
province of Van on Sunday, Sept 9, to attend its third annual
religious ceremony.
Today's Zaman reports that many Armenians traveled to the town of
GevaĆ? in the eastern province of Van early Sunday morning by bus or
minibus, to take the 20-minute journey the island in boats.
Attendees lit candles and prayed in the southern part of the church
during the ceremony which at 11.00 am amid tight security measures.
The Church of the Holy Cross was in ruins and on the verge of collapse
when a restoration project was launched in 2005. It officially opened
for worship on Sept 12, 2010.
From: A. Papazian