Armenian national songs and dances followed the liturgy in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island. The event was organized by the youth and sports centre in Van, the NEWS.am correspondent reports.
Members of the Istanbul-based Armenian song and dance group ‘Maral’ and soloist Samvel Galstyan performed Armenia songs and national dances, such as Vagharshapat, Mardapar, Naz Par, Sasun and others.
The dance group was formed in 1980 and has 70 dancers.
The national songs and dances were greeted with wild applause by the audience.
As NEWS.am reported previously, on September 19 a liturgy was held at the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) in Akhtamar Island. The Turkish authorities made a disgraceful decision, delaying the installation of the cross on the church dome after the religious service.
A group of Armenian worshippers raised wooden crosses, in protest.
Only the Constantinople Patriarchate participated in the liturgy. The three other patriarchates of the Armenian Apostolic Church refused to take part in the liturgy, because the Turkish authorities refused to install a cross on atop the church. Armenian public representatives also refused to take part in the liturgy for the same reason, though they received invitations from the Turkish Premier. These public figures stated that Surb Khach church cannot be considered restored until a cross has been installed on its dome.
