The successors of the Armenian Genocide survivors, who have resided in Aleppo, visited Van after learning the cross was erected on the dome of Surb Khach Church (Holy Cross) on Akhtamar Island.

The group of Syrian Armenian pilgrims was the first to see the cross on the dome of Surb Khach Church, Turkish Taraf newspaper reports. Visiting Akhtamar island, many Armenian pilgrims could not hold back their tears.