Sourb Khach waiting for mass while tourists pose for photos

Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople will serve today the long-awaited mass at the Sourb Khach Church (Saint Cross) on Akhtamar Island, Van, Eastern Turkey.

The liturgy service will take place at 11 a.m. local time (1 p.m. Yerevan time).

Prior to the ceremony Aram Ateshyan met with Van Governor Myunir Karaloglu.

“No rings will ring at the church, but their ringing will resound in our ears. I know there has recently been an uneasy situation. But we tried to explain [to the people] that it is not something inexperienced hands can do. It will be right if experienced craftsmen would install the cross, and I am declaring in front of the media that the cross will be restored after the mass. I have told this all – both Armenia and the Diaspora. Both our minister and the governor have made promises over the issue. The cross will be installed no later than in one and a half month, and we will anoint it afterwards,” said Archbishop Ateshyan, expressing his gratitude to Mr Karaloglu for having organized everything for the mass to be served.

Some 55 people will be inside the Sourb Khach Church during today’s service, while other guests will follow the ceremony on the two big screens set up in the yard.

The mass has kicked up a lot of activity in Van with as much as 6000 tourists expected to attend the liturgy. But that number might be unrealistic after some Armenian tour operators canceled all the travels to Van amid calls to boycott the mass which many Armenians consider a show Turkey demonstrates to improve its image.

Mother See of Holly Etchmiadzin also joined the boycott saying it will not send representatives to Van.

While emotions are running among many Armenians as they prepare to attend the ceremony, some tourists pose for photos on the pedestal that the cross is temporarily installed before it will be placed on the dome.

The event will be covered by 118 journalists from Turkey and 27 others from abroad.