After 95 Years, Divine Liturgy Took Place in Aghtamar’s Holy Cross Church

On Sept. 19, thousands of Armenians from all over the world gathered on Lake Van’s Aghtamar Island, where — after 95 years — a Divine Liturgy took place in the Holy Cross Armenian Church found on the island. 

The heavy, metal cross, which had been much talked about lately, was placed outside of the church. Dozens of Armenians approached the cross, kissed it, weeped and prayed. 

For those who were physically unable to enter the church, the mass was broadcast on a large screen outside the church. 

The liturgy, which was delivered by the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople representative, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, took approximately two hours.

Archbishop Ateshyan, addressing the congregation, said that the liturgy was extremely important and it’s necessary to preserve the Holy Cross Church and pass it on to future generations.

He also thanked the Republic of Turkey for renovating and preserving the church. 

Note that in accordance with a decision by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture, a Divine Liturgy will take place in Holy Cross once every year, and the cross will be placed on the church’s dome after the necessary work has been carried out.