After 88 years Orthodox Christians hold mass at monastery in Turkey

Opened to worship for the first time in 88 years, Orthodox Christians from Russia, Greece, Georgia and the United States poured into the Black Sea province for a historic mass Sunday at the iconic Sumela Monastery, Trabzon, north-eastern Turkey.

According to Turkish Daily News & Economic Review, Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew led the mass, which was attended by approximately 500 worshippers, marking the Assumption of the Mother Mary, a sacred day for Orthodox Christians.

"We owe this day of worship to our government, which was kind enough to grant us the permission," the patriarch said Saturday at Trabzon Airport. "We are most thankful as this day is sacred for not only believers in the Black Sea but for all Orthodox and the Christian world as it is the Assumption Day of Mother Mary. We are blessed to celebrate this day here in Sümela. First it is grace from God and then it is grace from the government."

The monastery was opened to worship for a single day with special permission from the Turkish government.