Sourb Khach of Akhtamar not anointed, no holy liturgy can be served in non-anointed church
Sourb Khach (St. Cross) church has not been anointed and no holy liturgy can be served in a non-anointed church, specialist for monuments Samvel Karapetyan told reporters today.
According to him, people needn't go to Akhtamar, Van that day. ''I think, everyone should go to see Akhtamar and all the other monuments, but not necessarily that day. If Turks are planning to organize a theatre performance, it's not right to participate in it,'' he said.
In this context he approved the decision of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin not to participate in the liturgy.
Note that Turkish authorities had pledged to place a cross atop the church by September 19, the day when the liturgy is due to be served, however, they announced lately that the cross weighs 200kg and cannot be placed due to the technical problems.