“We have been deeply saddened by the fact that our religious activities have been targeted by some politicians in recent days” : Ecumenical Patriarch on Issues Related to Sumela Monastery

OCP News Service – 15/08/2023

Turkey: On the eve (August 14, 2023) of the celebrations at Sumela Monastery, Ecumenical Patriarch published a statement regarding the issues and celebration. The statement stated that some politicians targeted celebrations in  Sumela Monastery and used the same for politics.

Translation of the statement:

We celebrate the Feast of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated by Christians all over the world on August 15 every year, in many churches in our country.

With the permission of our government, our Patriarchate will celebrate its feast this year in the Sumela Monastery, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as it has been for the last 10 years.

We have been deeply saddened by the fact that our religious activities have been targeted by some politicians in recent days. Our visit to Trabzon, which we will go to celebrate our holiday for just a few hours, has been turned into a target with political discourses.

As a nation that has lived on this land for centuries, we condemn these unjust statements made against us. We have full confidence in our government.

Turkish Government Initially Denies, then Grants Permission for Divine Liturgy Celebration at Sumela Monastery on August 15

Source:
OCP News Service