The clergymen of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, headed by Aram Ateshyan arrived in Akhtamar Island, Van to prepare for the September 19 liturgy in Surb Khach Church.

Though the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Mesrob II Mutafyan received treatment and returned to the patriarchate, he will not participate in the religious service, the press service of the patriarchate informed NEWS.am.

As reported previously, on September 19, Holy See of Echmiadzin, Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Holy See of Cilicia refused to take part in the liturgy in Surb Khach (Holy Church) on Akhtamar Island due to the Turkish authorities’ disgraceful decision to install the cross on the church after the liturgy.