Sümela Monastery to be opened.

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Virgin Mary service will be held on 15 August by Patriarch Bartholomeo, with participation of Russian and Greek Orthodox Chruches.
In front of monastery will be installed giant TV screens and sun shades for the expected thousands of Christians travelling to the monastery.

The Virgin Mary service will be made during Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims.
It is expected that Muslims will also join the service and related authorities urge the visitors not to eat out of respect, as in Ramadan no Muslim eats during daylight.

Orthodox Christians pour into Turkey's Black Sea region for ceremony - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

 

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Also the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross was opened for service after renovation:

A new beginning for Akhtamar

 

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Patriarch Bartholomew says he has a promise from the prime minister and Turkish authorities that the Halki seminary will reopen next year.
Greek patriarch optimistic Halki seminary will reopen next year - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

It is the Theological school of Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul and located on the biggest island of the Princess' islands.

 

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Also the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross was opened for service after renovation:

A new beginning for Akhtamar

It will be opened on Sep 19 for service

Some 5,000 people are expected in Van on the service day.
The island has limited space, but LED screens and a sound system will be installed around the island for everyone to witness every minute of the service. There will be a private pressroom for members of the press from Turkey and abroad. To prevent any problems with the live broadcast, 3G technology will be used.
According to figures stated by the governor, hotels in the city are already fully booked.

Akdamar Surp Haç Church in Turkey to host service - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

 

[ekrem]

Also the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross was opened for service after renovation:

A new beginning for Akhtamar

It will be opened on Sep 19 for service

Some 5,000 people are expected in Van on the service day.
The island has limited space, but LED screens and a sound system will be installed around the island for everyone to witness every minute of the service. There will be a private pressroom for members of the press from Turkey and abroad. To prevent any problems with the live broadcast, 3G technology will be used.
According to figures stated by the governor, hotels in the city are already fully booked.

Akdamar Surp Haç Church in Turkey to host service - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

A local newspaper initiated the campaign “We are opening our houses to host Armenians” because the number of Armenian guests in the province is anticipated to be higher than the total capacity of hotels and guesthouses.
So far, 4,000 families have joined the campaign to host Armenians.

Van hosts Armenians for ritual at Akdamar Church in September - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review