Participation in the liturgy in Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island due September 19 is unacceptable for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

“The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin regretted to learn that a consecrated cross will not be set atop Holy Cross Chuch on Akhtamar, as was promised by the Turkish government. The government promised that the cross will be set and consecrated a week prior to the liturgy. But it has not happened. To meet the wish of Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, we were going to send two priests for participation in the liturgy. However, it is impossible given the current situation. Representatives of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will not participate in the liturgy in Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar,” reads the September 4 statement of the press service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.