Epress.am News from Armenia
Once again talks on re-opening the Armenian Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van in eastern Turkey have resumed. The Turkish press reported that the church will re-open, and analysts have presented the event as another step toward Armenia-Turkey relations. However, permanently re-opening the church, which presently has national museum status, is not being discussed.
Turkey is preparing to open the church on September 19 for one day this year and every year after that during which time the Armenian Patriarch in Turkey will hold a mass.
This decision by Turkey’s government was similarly echoed by Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, who stated that the Church of the Holy Cross is of great significance not only to Turkey’s Armenian residents, but also to Armenians around the world.
“For over 10 years, we weren’t able to hold mass in that church since it was prohibited by the government,” said Ateshyan, adding that the church is an example of ancient Armenian civilization in the region and that it can attract numerous tourists, which, in turn, will assist in the impoverished region’s development.