Constantinople Patriarchate declines Turkish businessmen’s Offer

14/9/2010

The Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church declined Turkish businessmen’s offer to install s wooden cross on the dome of Surb Khach church on Akhtamar Island.

A source in the Van business community informed NEWS.am that on September 14 the businessmen applied to the Patriarchate and proposed the installation of a wooden cross as a metal one cannot be installed for lack of time. The Turkish businessmen interested in a liturgy on Akhtamar Island said a wooden cross would serve as a symbol before a metal one was installed.

The Patriarchate, however, stated it is unacceptable.

NEWS.am tried to verify the information. The priest Tatul said that he has no information on the businessmen’s offer. As to whether the Patriarchate is not informed of the proposal, he said: “Even if such a proposal were made, it is unacceptable to us, as a wooden cross will not be permanent because of weather. A metal cross must be installed, which is practiced. What does it mean – installing a wooden cross and then removing it and installing a metal one?” He announced his information to go to Van at once.

Turkish businessmen promised to do their best for a cross to be installed on Surb Khach church before the September 19 liturgy.

It is noteworthy that, the cross lacking, the three spiritual centers of the Armenian people, the Holy See of Echmiadzin, Great House of Cilicia and Jerusalem Patriarchate will not take part in the liturgy.

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