Nearly 100 years after the genocide, Armenians have the opportunity to celebrate Easter in the Armenian church Surb Khach (Holy Cross) on the island of Akhtamar in Lake Van. The founder of “Narégavank tower” based in Yerevan, Armen Hovhannisyan says “we ensure the presence of Armenians in Akhtamar April 20. There will be no Mass for the Armenian Archbishop of Constantinople makes only one religious service per year in the church Surb Khach Akhtamar. But we will conduct prayers in Armenian. “For the few who are on Akhtamar island on Easter Sunday.” Places provide a beautiful backdrop! All trees on the island will be in bloom and opposite the church we have the vision of the chain of mountains of the Armenian Taurus which is completely covered in snow, “said Armen Hovhannisyan. First-time visitors come to Akhtamar Saturday, April 19. Recall that the Armenian Patriarchate is authorized by the Turkish authorities to carry out the church Surb Khach Akhtamar one religious service per year, on September 2.

Krikor Amirzayan