ISTANBUL. – As a result of the October 23 and November 9 earthquakes in Van, Turkey, a slight crack has appeared on the dome of Surp Khach (Holy Cross) Armenian Church, on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van. But the crack can easily be fixed, told Adnan Vural, the architect in charge of the Church’s restoration, Hurriyet daily of Turkey informed.      

“Surp Khach withstood many disasters, in the past, too, and it is not damaged by the quake, yet again. Nothing happened to the Church, and there is no danger of collapse,” the architect noted.    

It is also informed that despite the earthquake, Surp Khach Church of Akhtamar still has visitors.