If a cross is not installed on the dome of a church, it cannot be considered a church, Mkrtich Mkrtchyan, an MP from Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), told journalists today, commenting on the Turkish authorities’ disgraceful step to put off the cross installation.

According to the MP, the Armenian side should not play into Turkey’s hands, as Turks try to show the world Turkey is a democratic state. “We should show the world there are truths to be accepted. However, to show itself to the world by such a step is not evidence of democracy,” the MP said.  Mkrtchyan emphasized the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople must participate in the religious service, as it operates in Turkey. “If the Patriarchate makes extreme steps, it will lose a right to organize any event,” Minasyan said.

The parliamentarian confessed he would attend the religious service only if a cross is installed on the dome of Surb Khach Church.