ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)—Delays in installing a cross atop the Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island, ahead of a planned Mass on Sept. 19, was blamed on the upcoming constitutional referendum in Turkey, according to vicar of the Istanbul Patriarchate Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, who discussed the matter with a German publication.
Ateshyan told the Deutche Welle that the Turkish-Armenian community’s enthusiasm for the upcoming Mass at Holy Cross was shattered after news that a cross would not be installed atop the renovated 10th-century Armenian church, rationalizing that a cross would be installed after the scheduled services.
“The Van governor promised the Armenian community that the cross would without fail be installed after the liturgy. We expected 5,000 people to take part in the liturgy, but the present situation has reduced the number—some people refused to participate. The Holy Sees of Etchmiadzin and Cilicia refused to participate in the services,” Ateshyan told the German news organization.
The Mass, which the Turkish government has spearheaded as an effort to show the world its brand of tolerance for minorities, has been mired in controversy as Armenian political and religious forces have boycotted the event.
Citing the Turkish government’s decision to not erect a cross atop the church, the Holy See of Etchimiadzin reversed an earlier decision to send a high-level delegation to the service. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem also announced that it would not participate in the service, in light of Etchmiadzin’s recent posturing.
Earlier, the Catholicosate of Cilicia had announced that it would not participate in the services, citing the blatant attempt by the Turkish government to capitalize on this religious matter and bolster its standing in the international community.
Calls to boycott the event have been heard from varied political circles in Armenia, including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and the ruling Republican Party.
The recent wave of boycotts, however, did not deter the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul from pushing ahead with its plans to hold the Mass.
At an assembly convened in Istanbul, the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul confirmed Monday that the service will be held as planned, despite the fact that a cross may not grace the church’s dome, as had been initially promised.
“The [Patriarchate’s] spiritual assembly decided that the organization [of the service] will be held as initially planned, without undergoing any changes,” the Patriarchate said in a written statement Monday after the assembly was gathered under Ateshyan’s chairmanship, according to the Anatolia news agency and as reported by Hurriyet.
Thirty non-governmental organizations criticized the controversy regarding the “cross issue” in a joint statement, according to a report Tuesday by daily Radikal.
After reopening the Holy Cross Church in 2007 as a museum following an extensive renovation effort, the Turkish government said it would allow Armenians to hold a Mass in their own church once a year.
Sadly, this self appointed Patriarch with the tacit help of the Turkish state is in the pocket of the fascist state.
He should be ashamed of himself as the martyrs of our nation means nothing to him apart from his seat.
We should all ignore this outcast.
This is the case when politics has occurred in the embrace (read trap) of religion. I ought to give one important item of advice to the diplomats of the Turkish Government — President Gul, Prime Minister Erdoghan, and FM Davutoghlu. When promising a cross on the top of a cultural center, in fact, Armenian Sacred Place, you are giving the Light the chance to overcome the Dark. When the Sun arises the Moon has nothing to do in Anatolia. Be careful! Do NOT play the games you do not know how to play!
Why couldn’t the good Patriarch simply have said ” I’ll conduct the services after the cross is in place”? Hey, the renovations were completed in 2007 —they couldn’t get the cross up in the last 3 years? Shame on you Srpazan!
Very very hard dilemma for the Srpazan.. being in Turkey and representing Turkish Armenian, his thought it to follow through the service…which is understandable.. to him he has no option..
However, for the entire Armenian populi around the world his stand to continue with the mass is something to be upset about.. again.. it is not my place to say whether or not he should or should not go forward with the mass…he has his own reasons and agenda… just like Turkey does with this circus that they put together for everyone to see….
Vay Astvats jan.. incha linelu mer vercha..
Gayane
Do we know if the dome of Akhtamar is physically capable of supporting new cross that would weigh many hundreds of pounds??? Have structural engineers been consulted? Have stress tests been performed??? Has the data been reviewed by all concerned parties? This is serious stuff. We have a fragile, unique, thousand year old church, and if that dome has not been properly reinforced, placing a heavy, metal cross on top might just bring it crashing down – especially during an earthquake. I hope a lighter, bronze colored aluminum or even fiberglass alternative is being explored, because risking the dome of Akhtamar with a heavy, bronze cross just is not worth it.
Yeah, Karekin, have all these been contemplated when Turks promised to Armenians to place the cross on the top instead of blood-color Turkish flag? Or it just might occur to them immediately before September 19th? Also, aren’t issues relating to stress or structuring engineering best handled by those who built the church and have more than 1700 years experience of Christian church-building and not those who only have the experience of detonating churches or transforming them to sheepfolds?
Karo – no question about it….Armenian architects and stonemasons built all those Seljuk turbes and khans, saved Hagia Sophia from collapse and the most famous of them all, Sinan, designed and oversaw construction of the Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosque in Istanbul, not to mention the Balyans, Dolmabache Palace, etc. My point is that clamoring for a cross, if not properly considered, may be premature. Better to wait for a solid structural analysis before putting something that heavy on such an ancient dome. We cannot risk one of the most important Armenian monuments just because some people feel the need to plunk a cross on the top right away. In that sense, perhaps the Turkish authorities are correct in holding back on this? Instead of demanding a cross, Armenians should demand that the best engineering firm on the planet examine the dome and pronounce it capable of holding a cross. Moreover, Armenians should pay for it and see a written analysis before allowing anything to go onto that dome.
Karekin.. i decided that you can’t be an Armenian.. NO WAY…
Are you out of your empty mind???
We cannot risk one of the most important Armenian monuments just because some people feel the need to plunk a cross on the top right away. In that sense, perhaps the Turkish authorities are correct in holding back on this?
Are you actually saying this to us??? Were you not the one who told us that we should be happy that Turks saved Aghtamar from going down? Did you not preach to us that we should be thankful that Turks renovated our church to stand against time even though it is a museum now??
Well if Turks did us a favor by keeping this monument from crumbling down, why did not they make sure it is safe and strong.. how come they did not consult with engineers to make sure the structure will remain strong?? why now that we want to put the cross on top of the church they come up with delicate operation and can’t be done? according to you, this matter should be consulted and paid by Armenians…OH MY GOD…. are you serious? please tell us why? is it because Turks were either dumb not to do a great job at it or intentionally did not put much effort to make sure the building is strong enough to stand against any natural disasters or even a simple cross on its dome? hmmmm.. my guess is because they knew they were not planning to give that church back to Armenians and hence why they came up with an excuse of.. the building may not hold such a cross….i say B.S???
WOW… Karekin.. you never fail to surprise us with your comments…
Gayane
Gayane, I’ll refrain myself from saying something you might find offensive, but please keep your imagined insults to yourself. Of course I’m in favor of reinstalling the cross on top of Akhtamar, but not until we know 1000% that the dome can support it. Have you seen or read any engineering reports that verify this? Do you want Akhtamar to look like the ruins at Ani? Is that what you want for Akhtamar? Be careful what you wish for or demand, because you might get it. Perhaps you would prefer that Akhtamar look like the many churches and vanks across Armenia and Karabagh, that are in deplorable, ruinous condition, complete with Armenian graffitti? Take a good look at the embarrassing evidence and weep: http://hetq.am/en/photostory/gtchavank/
Karekin – And my point is that the Turkish authorities after announcing the decision to restore Akhtamar (note: only from outside not all the images and relics desecrated and stolen by the state) in 2007 and then place a cross on the top (it’s not Armenians’ clamor, it was a Turkish decision turned trickery, in their best tradition) had three full calendar years to consider the issue of mounting the cross atop or consult Armenians who built and have millennia-long experience of building churches. Just like Armenians did when they took the decision to restore Blue Mosque in Yerevan. They invited Iranian specialists who, understandably, had better knowledge of restoration technique of their own mosques. And for the thousandth time: many churches and monasteries across Armenia and Karabagh that are in deplorable, ruinous condition, hadn’t arrive to that condition because of intentional destruction or transformation to mosques and sheepfolds by the state, as in case of churches and monasteries across Western Armenia. Some of them deteriorated because the Armenian state and Artsakh had a burden of other, more important issue related to matters of life and death, as you may know. As for graffiti, don’t mix up cases of hooliganism with the state-sponsored policy cultural genocide aimed at wiping out virtually all remnants of once-flourished, indigenous Armenian civilization developed in the course of thousands of years on our own lands.
Karo…I fully understand what happened to all those churches, vanks, etc., both in Turkey and in Armenia and Artsakh, and yes, it saddens me to see the result. The problem and sad reality, as you probably know, is that Armenians lost control of those lands many times during the course of the last 4000 years. And, when you don’t control your own space or when you live , you are largely incapable of protecting not only monuments, but people as well. We know all too well what can happen, but history is brutal and not often under our control. However, that still doesn’t explain why, even if these places are cleaned up, that they continue to generate garbage and graffiti – by Armenians. If our own people do not show respect for their historical monuments, how or why can that be expected of anyone else? This is why the Akhtamar story is important…and why this conservation effort must be appreciated by anyone who has a serious thought about ancient Armenian architecture. The issue is not about repainting the frescoes (which would actually be a very bad idea, as they should be conserved, not restored w/ new paint that would damage the ancient originals). It doesn’t matter who repaired Akhtamar and prevented it from crumbling into dust…Turks or Martians…the bottom line is that it is a gem of Armenian architecture and that is still standing. Not perfect, not entirely original, but after 1000 years, what can one expect? None of us will look so good after that amount of time, I can assure you!
Karekin.. du qo nuyn ESH nes qshum…
You know what makes me weep? You trying your hardest to muster us with your “lets be friends and sing Koombaya with the Turks…” lets give them hugs and kisses because they renovated a church that CAN”T EVEN HOLD OUR CROSS.. a cross that should have been placed on OUR CHURCH and not a museum IN THE FIRST PLACE… that is what I getting at.. why should the Armenian people WAIT or be TOLD that we can’t have a cross when the ARmenian Engineers could have resolved this issue if given the proper access, resources, freedom from the Turks..but we all know the answer to that. don’t we Karekin…
and what do you suggest? lets not accuse Turks for such treachory, we need to give them a chance and be nice to them … they need more time to decide or assess the building …this and that.. blah blah blah…just a thought…..the cross can be made of any material .. as long as the CHURCH and not the museum carries the cross outside and INSIDE..but then again.. of course we don’t have that.. because it is a Turkish museum now and not an Armenian Church…. so this BS that the building can’t hold a cross is just another way to get out of the situation.. .. .why is it so hard for this person to understand??? I just don’t understand… I simply don’t get you.. ..
Anyway… Karo has several great comments which covers alot of things that I want to say as well.. please read and take it in..
have a good day sir
Gayane – To walk in the rain without an umbrella and then cry that your clothes got soaked is not the way to get sympathy or fix your wet clothes. Hang the clothes up to dry, get an umbrella or stay inside when it rains. Unfortunately, we are not in control of many things in life and need to adapt to the situation. Screaming about it is no way to address or fix it. You seem to be oblivious to the fact that we do not control Akhtamar at this point in history – plain and simple! We may want to, we may deserve to, we may demand to, but we don’t, and as a result, we must make the best of the situation, not make it worse. Practical, constructive comments and suggestions are what are needed. When there is a hint of spark, please do not throw gasoline on it. It serves none of us very well and could easily make things worse. While people rant and rave here with words, they need to realize that there are real people involved as well as a real monument of Armenian history. No one is saying ‘kumbaya’…just that an intelligent, reasonable approach is much better than a vayreni – inspired one. And please, stop trying to change the past….it’s done. You can’t do anything about it. No one (meaning me) is denying history. Instead, move forward in a smart way if you want to change the future. It is a much better way to spend your energies. And yes, there are many decrepit churches in Armenia itself that need help…if you are so inclined, do something about them.
Excuse me?????? Whose actions are you calling vayerni??? You have not seen vayreni and your statement really pissed me off..
I am not two years old KAREKIN.. i know many thing are out of our control and we need to adopt… ARmenians have been adopting for centuries.. where have you been??? also, you HAVE THE CONTROL of many things….. you have the power to change, you have control over how the world will approach the ARmenian Cause and Genocide by advocating and supporting and working together with your Armenian and non-Armenian friends….. but then again if we left it for you to fight for our cause, we may never go anywhere……
Many asked you very nicely and very directly on your new approaches and strategies….. so why don’t you answer them? why don’t you enlighten us with your strategies and new ideas that will help us with your beloved Turks. Go ahead..please..
Thank you and have a great day…
Gayane…
So if the cross was installed on the church it would be OK for Armenians to go? In other words, the one essential thing we require to go to a PR stunt by Turkey is to have a cross present?
So if, next year, the Turks install a cross, all the travel agencies in Armenia will feel comfortable booking tours? This makes no sense.
In my entire life, I have never heard of an Armenian who said that if a cross happened not to be on a church because it was blown down by a hurricance that he or she would not attend that church. So, if the box of sand and candles are not inside the church, you won’t go either? There has to be the right kind of incense in the church or you won’t go?
Dear Karekin, you have good points. You know what? Close to one century we did not think to find a way to have our churches,vanks and cemeteries in Turkey.Look at the Greeks. They have a non profit organization in Chicago. Without crying and accsing the turks they are trying to fix their churches one by one.You know how many times did I read in Agos that some mayors were asking help from the Armenian in order to restore the church in their area. One good news. There is an organization in Istanbul called ” Armenians of Sasoon” if I am not wrong. Organization members recently went to Sasoon and registered all the churches,vanks and cemeteries around that area.They will try to rebuilt them but need money. Instead of spending your time on silly things try to collect money for this organization. We waited too long because we like to hate others and accuse them instead of using our mind.I hope one day we will change our attitude.
Oh look. Karekin has a fan now.. . that is suprising and sweet…
Anna.. i am sorry but i don’t think you are talking about the same Karekin as we come to know..actually, we have asked Karekin about his new ideas and strategies on how he is going to change the situation… but all we get from him is to show symphathy to Turks… trying to convince us that those who murderd our ancestors are not Turks, that we should be greatful and be generous to Turks because they turned our church into a museum with Turkish flag and their bastard Ataturk’s picture hanging inside…oh oh.. the best one ever is when he mocked Jesus by saying he just a ragiddy carpenter…dont’ remember the exact wording but it was something like that..it was you right karekin? and the list goes on..again.. i am surprised and unclear as to why you would think Karekin has good points…just curious………
Thank you
Gayane
Gayane….you may have missed it, but Boyajian asked me several direct questions about ‘new ideas’…and I provided him with an extensive list of responses. It was not in this group of comments, but under another article. Please look for it.
Karekin.. you have no new ideas and strategies…
Gayane
Sourp Khatch is an Aremian Church….all that is needed to hold aservice there is a clergyman….the decor is at best secondary. Youo can hold abadarak in an open field.
This is not playing into anything….the world knows what the Turkish government wantsd anhow they go about it…so what. We have an pportunity to be Armenian in ur historic homeland. I have visted Aghtmar. I have prayed an sung the Hary Mer in Sourp Khatch. Evry Armenian or Turksih citizen with a drop of Armenian blood deserves this opprotunity. When Armenian policticians or noisy pundits in the diaspora pontificate and politicize matters, they do not help our fellow Armenians in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey who live with the consequences every day.
My best wishes for a succesful event and effort by the Patriarch of Istanbul. My only wish is that had allowed me to participated as well.
I am so happy to know of fellow Armenian Americans who will be present.