According to the calculations by the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, a total of 6700 people participated in the September 19 liturgy in Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Isalnd. Half of the participants were residents of Van.

“Over 1000-1500 Armenians total, 700 Istanbul Armenians, 150-200 Armenians from Armenia, as well as from the U.S. and Europe, attended the religious service. Interestingly, the number of Armenians who came from Armenia was more than we had expected,” Head of the Religious Council of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople Tatul Anushyan told NEWS.am.

As NEWS.am reported previously, on September 19 a liturgy was held at the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) in Akhtamar Island. The Turkish authorities made a disgraceful decision, delaying the installation of the cross on the church dome after the religious service.

A group of Armenian worshippers raised wooden crosses, in protest.

Only the Constantinople Patriarchate participated in the liturgy. The three other patriarchates of the Armenian Apostolic Church refused to take part in the liturgy, because 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. These public figures stated that Surb Khach church cannot be considered restored until a cross has been installed on its dome.