A group of Armenians, raised as Sunni Muslims because their ancestors converted to Islam after the Armenian Genocide, were baptized at the newly re-opened Surp Giragos Church, Hurriyet Daily News reports.

“I wish this church had always been open,” one of the group to be baptized, who also contributed to the restoration of the church, said. “It is unbelievable to be together here with people from all around the world with whom I share the same origins.”

The baptism ceremony, which was closed to the press and outside visitors, was led by Deputy Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan. The names of those baptized are not revealed for security reasons.