A liturgy at Surb Khach church has begun on Akhtamar Island in Van, Turkey. A NEWS.am correspondent reports that many people outside the church can watch the liturgy on large screens. Only 55 people are inside the church.

The liturgy is conducted by Archbishop Aram Ateshyan. The ceremony is expected to last for three days.

Zahir Kandasoglu, Chairman of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry pointed out that 90% of the hotel room bookings were canceled after people knew the cross would not be installed on the church.

In 2007, when the church was renovated, Turkish flags were flying round it, and guests could see Ataturk’s portrait. Now, however, neither Turkish flags nor Ataturk’s portrait can be seen there, the NEWS.am correspondent report. Numerous policemen and ambulances are on the island. Military airplanes are flying over the island to ensure security.

One hundred and eighty-five journalists, with 35 of them foreign ones, are providing coverage of the event. Journalists from Armenia, the USA, Germany Holland, Finland and other states arrive in Van.

Only the Constantinople Patriarchate is participating in the liturgy. The three other patriarchates of the Armenian Apostolic Church refused to take part in the liturgy, as the Turkish authorities refused to install a cross on atop the church. Armenian public representatives also refused to take part in the liturgy for the same reason, though they received invitations from the Turkish Premier. The public figures stated that Surb Khach church cannot be considered restored until a cross has been installed on its dome.