The decision not to erect a cross on Surb Khach church gave rise to interesting opinions among Van residents.

A NEWS.am correspondent conducted a poll to find out whether or not most Van citizens believe the Turkish authorities’ decision was aimed driving a wedge between Armenians in Istanbul and Armenia.

Many of them think the Turkish authorities succeeded, as Istanbul Armenians are considered traitors in Armenia, whereas Istanbul Armenians feel offended because Armenians in Armenia are discrediting them among other Armenians. Some of the Istanbul Armenians who arrived in Van noted that Istanbul Armenians are also divided over participating in the liturgy without a cross on the church.

Few of the Istanbul Armenians that arrived to take part in the liturgy seem to confirm this. Only one or two percent of Istanbul Armenians arrived to take part in the liturgy in Surb Khach church in Akhtamar.