Turkish authorities are in the process of re-opening the Church of Panagia Soumela, according to information of the Turkish newspaper “Hurryiet”.
The city of Trabzon (historically known as Trapezus) is preparing to re-open the Church of Panagia Soumela for pilgrims. Sumela Monastery, according to the usually well-informed former director of the Newspaper Erdogul Ozkok, is currently preparing to become once again a place for Christian worship.
“Sumela Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Orthodox world. If only the monastery was open for worship, not only once a year or month, but once per week. In a Turkey comprised of 72 million people, who would be harmed?” states the journalist.
“As you may be aware, Trabzon is preparing to attract visitors, not only from Greece but also from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia” writes the columnist, “but I wonder if the public opinion of the region will accept such a decision”
“In the past years, a group of visitors from Greece were not allowed to move in groups, and even banned the holy liturgy in the Monastery” reminds the journalist to the readers.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
