On August 8, the Armenian Public Council will consider Turkey’s initiative to conduct religious service in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island.

The church was restored in 2007 and is presently functioning as a museum. On September 19, it will be open for religious services on the initiative of Van province Governor and Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Turkish side stated that a cross will be put on the dome of the church as well.

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II will not visit Turkey to attend the service scheduled for September 19, while two high-ranking clergymen will be present, the press service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reported.

With September 19 coming, the Turkish authorities are trying to attract the world’s attention to their so-called “gesture of goodwill.” The director and chief editor of the Van Times newspaper Aziz Aykac said that 6, 000 families are ready to open their doors to the Armenian guests arriving in the city to participate in the service in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island. According to him, the Armenian Diaspora responded positively to the initiative. The number of people wishing to host Armenians in their houses is increasing day after day. At present, 6,000 applications have been received from the citizens of Van.

Aziz Aykac also noted that on the initiative of Agos daily, ten European journalists have already agreed to cover the reopening of Surb Khach church. “We expect that 10,000 guests will arrive in Van. This event will ease the tension in the Armenian-Turkish relations. Our newspaper will also publish stories in Armenian,” Aziz Aykac stated, adding that Surb Khach church reopening might be commercialized, and the city of Van should not miss this opportunity.