Panagia Soumela: Turkish Authorities Yet to Approve August 15 Liturgy

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Δεν αλλάζει ο Αγαρηνός…

by Bill Giannopoulos

Even in that case, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will not attend, as he will be in Imbros on August 15 and travelling to Sweden on August 21.

The delay follows a pattern seen in previous years. In 2024, the service was held on August 23, while in 2023 permission for August 15 came at the last minute after intervention by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Nationalist groups in Turkey have again opposed the feast day, claiming it coincides with the 1461 Ottoman conquest of Trabzon.

With just two days to go until August 15, Turkish authorities have still not granted permission for the Divine Liturgy at the historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon. The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s request remains unanswered, and local media report that approval—if given—may only apply to August 23.

Διαβάστε αναλυτικά το άρθρο στην ιστοσελίδα:greekcitytimes.gr