13th Service Held at the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island, Lake Van

A millennial monument in the heart of Lake Van

The Church of the Holy Cross (Surp Haç), built in the 10th century on Akdamar Island, is one of the architectural jewels of medieval Armenia. Nestled in an exceptional natural setting, it stands as a powerful cultural and spiritual symbol for the Armenian community.

The historic reopening of 2010

After decades of closure and debates over its status, the church experienced a major turning point in 2010. On September 19 of that year, a mass was celebrated there for the first time in nearly a century. This event, which brought together several hundred faithful, marked the implementation of a decision by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism: to exceptionally authorize one religious ceremony per year in the building, which had until then been presented solely as a museum.

An annual tradition: the “13th Service”

Since 2010, the church has hosted an annual service, held under special permission and led by the Patriarch of the Armenians of Turkey. The expression “13th service” does not refer to any liturgical tradition of the Armenian Church, but simply indicates that the ceremony was held for the thirteenth time since the reopening in 2010.

A gathering of peace and prayer in Van

With the special authorization of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (Surp Haç) on Akdamar Island, in the heart of Lake Van, hosted its 13th annual religious service this year.

Priests and faithful from Turkey as well as from different regions of the world reached the island by boat from the Edremit and Gevaş docks.

The Patriarch of the Armenians of Turkey, Sahak Maşalyan, accompanied by his assistant, Father Kaspar Garabetyan, and Bishop Hovagim Manukyan, led the ceremony, marked by liturgical hymns, prayers, and candles lit by participants.

“May peace descend from heaven to earth”

Speaking to journalists, Patriarch Maşalyan highlighted the spiritual significance of the service:

“Pilgrims came from all corners of the world: from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Armenia, Istanbul, and other regions of Anatolia. In this millennial Church of the Holy Cross of Akdamar, we honored our past and gave thanks for our present. Today we leave with gratitude towards the authorities who made this moment possible. Our prayers are that peace may descend from heaven to earth. May the people of this region, marked by so much suffering, draw lessons from history to build fraternity, unity, and peace today.”

At the end of the service, the Patriarch posed for a commemorative photo with the faithful.

Attendance and impressions

The ceremony was also attended by the provincial director of Culture and Tourism, Abdurrahman Şahin, the provincial police chief, Murat Mutlu, and the director of Van Museum, Bülent Demir.

Among the participants from Istanbul, Anjel Yanıkbaca shared her emotions:

“It was our first visit to Van. We had wanted to come for a long time but never had the opportunity. We loved this place and the organization was wonderful. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.”

A universal message

Beyond its religious dimension, the traditional Akdamar service has become an international gathering carrying messages of peace and fraternity, reinforcing the symbolic role of this millennial church in the heart of Lake Van.

Kadir Duran – Bruxelles Korner