VAN. – After the visit of Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Aram Ateshyan to the Surb Khach (Saint Cross) Armenian Church on the island of Akhtamar, the preparatory works were accelerated for the recurring liturgy to be held on September 11.

More Armenians are expected to visit for the liturgy, Turkish Haberler reports. Head of the local administration (kaimakam) of Van region stated that a special interest is observed for the liturgy this year.

According to the Archbishop, the absence of the cross on the cupola of the church resulted protests last year. This year the cross is set and Ateshyan hopes there will be no reasons for a protest.

Only the delegation of the Constantinople patriarchate was present at the liturgy last year. As other Armenian spiritual centers, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, Jerusalem Patriarch and Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, refused to participate in the liturgy.

The cross was set on the cupola 10 days after the liturgy on September 30 last year. It was consecrated by the celebrant of the spiritual Council of Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Tatul Anushyan.