Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew presided over a mass to mark the Assumption of Mary on the historical Sümela Monastery in northern Trabzon.
The ceremony, which occurred on Aug. 15, holds profound reverence because the ‘Day of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary,’ and is about in opposition to the backdrop of the historic Sümela Monastery nestled inside the Altındere Valley in Trabzon.
It is the tenth time because the “Ascension Day of the Virgin Mary” has elevated the Sümela Monastery to a cherished place amongst Türkiye’s pivotal facilities of religion. Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by the Orthodox clergy, launched into the journey from Istanbul to Trabzon by way of a prearranged flight, signifying the paramount significance of the approaching ceremony. At the airport’s VIP lounge, Patriarch Bartholomew obtained a heat welcome from businessman Efkan Mayor and Ertuğrul Genç, the previous mayor of Maçka.
This yr’s ceremony holds particular significance because it marks the primary time in 88 years that Christian Orthodox believers have been granted permission to carry rituals inside the hallowed partitions of the Sümela Monastery, an annual privilege bestowed upon them since Aug. 15, 2010.
Anticipating the forthcoming rites, a short lived roadblock might be instituted at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday on the path to the monastery, curbing automobile motion. Access to Sümela might be restricted till 1:00 p.m. Turkish time, solely open to these congregating for the mass.
The service is predicted to draw a various congregation, together with Orthodox clergy and guests hailing from international locations corresponding to Russia, Greece and Georgia. Among the esteemed attendees, Patriarch Bartholomew will preside over the ceremony, symbolizing the unity and reverence shared amongst Orthodox communities globally.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
