Armenian Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Aram Ateshyan arrived in Van.

Ateshyan visited the Religious Council of Van. The primate of the eparchy Nimertulla Arvas met him with roses. Ateshyan gave him a book by Arsen Yarman “Role of Armenians in the Sphere of Medicine in Ottoman Empire.” In his turn, Arvas gave Ateshyan an original gift, a samovar.

Arbishop Ateshayn stressed the resumption of religious services in Surb Khach is an important event for Armenians and is a dream of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. No liturgy has been held in the church since after 1915. He also said the Armenians in Constantinople are very excited over the September 19 liturgy in Surb Khach.

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