Professor Ruben Safrastyan, director of Oriental Studies Institute at Armenian National Academy of Sciences, believes that Armenians mustn’t participate in Turkish show on Akhtamar island, while Turks pursue Genocide denial policy, with thousands of landmarks of Armenian history lying in ruins.

“During the liturgy, a movie will be filmed ‘showing Armenians’ gratitude to Turkish government for the opportunity to serve annual masses at St. Cross church’. As a descendant of Van inhabitants, I find it unacceptable to participate in the event where a cross, to be put on top of a dome, will be taken off the next day,” Safrastyan emphasized in a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

The holy mass, to be served for the fist time in 95 years on the island of Akhtamar was rescheduled for September 19, instead of September 12, a date set for national referendum on constitutional amendments in Turkey.