Liturgies will be again offered at St. Kirakos Church in Diyarbakir, eastern Turkey (historical Western Armenia, Tigranakert), after a 32-year break.

The request on chanting liturgies twice a year at St. Kirakos Church was transferred to the Constantinople Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Haberturk reported.

Currently, the church is being rehabilitated. The restoration project costs $2.5mln and is implemented by Surb Kirakos Fund established by Armenians of Diyarbakir. According to Fund Chairman Tekin Papuchian, the Church was renovated in the beginning of 20th century. However, liturgies have not been conducted there since the Armenian community’s departure from Diyarbakir in 1978.

“The church has been left derelict. Liturgies will be conducted in the church once or twice a year after its restoration, which is planned to be completed in 2011. Diyarbakir Mayor’s Office also assists our project,” said Papuchian.