The Armenian Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van will celebrate a Divine Liturgy after a break of three years, Governor of Turkey’s Van Province Murat Zorluoglu has said.

According to the official, they have held discussions with the Armenian community and are currently negotiating with the relevant ministry on the issue, Ermenihaber reports.

“We aim to hold this ceremony after a three-year break,” the governor said.

The source says that the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople is expected to issue an official statement in the next few days over a liturgy to be offered on September 9 and urge people to take part in it.

The Armenian Holy Cross Church was renovated by the Turkish government in 2010 to serve as a museum. The Armenian community, however, has been allowed to hold religious services there once a year.