VAN. – After last year, the second Holy Mass was celebrated on Sunday at Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Armenian church on Akhtamar Island in Van. The Turkish police and gendarmerie carried out a very tight security during the event, which took place without any incidents. 

In comparison with the year past, those who attended this year’s Holy Liturgy were considerably less, but this time the Holy Cross was placed on the church and there were more pilgrims from Armenia. During the mass, there were approximately 2,000 people on the island, but people continued to visit throughout the day, Armenian News-NEWS.am’s reporter informed from Van.

The port, which carries out boat service between Akhtamar Island and the mainland, was renovated and new boats were added. The first thing that caught the eye upon approaching the island is the Turkish flags, which were nonexistent last year. Also, there were less media covering the event this year, and the Turkish TRT state television was carrying out live broadcasts. 

Also this year, great number of pilgrims was able to enter the church, as this was not the case last year because of the invited officials. To note, proceeds from the candle sale at the church will be donated to Somalia relief.

During the Holy Mass, around 10 extreme nationalists held a protest at the port of Akhtamar, read a statement, waved Turkish and Azerbaijani flags, and left.

In comparison with 2010, the city of Van was more passive; many did not even know as to the date and time of the Holy Liturgy.    

No Armenian official attended this event. In addition, Armenian Deputy Patriarch of Constantinople, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, had stated that no invitations were to be made this year, underscoring that the Holy Cross is on the church this time, and therefore there is no reason not to attend the Holy Mass.