Armenians of Turkey wish Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island (church functions as museum) to be open for services once a year, Agos daily editor Serkis Seropyan told NEWS.am.

According to him, for instance the Holy Cross of Varag holiday celebrated September 12 can be set on a day when the church opens. “However, nothing has been specified yet,” he said, commenting on statement by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay. Earlier, Gunay stated that cross will not be placed on the top, ruling out possibility of services’ conduction.

Seropyan underlined that a while ago authorities pledged to place a cross and invited Armenian experts. However, it remained in name not in deed. The journalist recalled that the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul closed for both Muslim and Christian services. Meanwhile, editor did not rule out the possibility that Armenians will be allowed to conduct services once a year.

A.G.