The renovated Apparition of the Holy Cross Armenian Church has reopened its doors before the faithful in Istanbul, Turkey.

Bishop Sahak Maşalyan, Head of Clerical Assembly of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople (Istanbul), consecrated this house of Christian worship, according to Agos Armenian weekly of Istanbul.

In his remarks at the event, Bishop Maşalyan noted that it is indispensable to look after churches, which are of great importance to the Armenian community.

“We need to keep our churches open, and to pray,” he added. “Churches are the heart of society.”

Subsequently, church foundation member Saro Benkliyan delivered remarks, and he thanked those who funded the renovation of this place of worship.