VAN (AA) - September 9, 2012 - The annual ritual at an Armenian church on the Akdamar Island in Lake Van ended on Sunday with the participation of Armenians from all corners of the world.
The Akdamar Church was opened to annual rituals in 2010 after a period of 95 years and after it went through restoration thanks to the contributions of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This year marked the third ritual in a row.
Prior to the ritual, Archbishop of the Patriarchate of Turkish Armenians, Aram Ateshian and accompanying religious figures completed preparations in the south of the church.
They later entered the church as hymns were read and prayers made. Aside from the religious figures, only a limited number of guests and press members were permitted into the church for Sunday's ritual.
A Bishop from the United States, Khajag Barsamyan led the ritual as prayers were made for those who lost lives in last year's earthquake in Van and those killed in violent incidents in Syria.
Many dignitaries attended the ritual at the Akdamar Island, including Deputy Governor of Van Atay Uslu, Sub-governor of Gevas town Yusuf Guni, head of the Culture and Tourism Department of Van Muzaffer Aktug, Deputy Mayor of Van Sabri Abi, a deputy of the opposition Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) from Van Nazmi Gur, and a deputy from Armenia Aragats Akhoyan.
