Hundreds of Orthodox pilgrims gather for second service at Sümela Monastery

Orthodox worshippers attend the Virgin Mary service led by Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew at the ancient Sümela Monastery in the Black Sea coastal province of Trabzon. TODAYSZAMAN 15/8/2011 Nearly 1,000 Orthodox Christians gathered for a historic service at Sümela Monastery in the Black Sea coastal province of Trabzon early Monday, marking the second religious ceremony held at the monastery in the history of the Turkish Republic. The Divine Liturgy, held on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos according to the Orthodox liturgical calendar (also known as the Assumption of Mary), was officiated by İstanbul-based Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew I.