Today marked a momentous event as Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Trabzon, poised to steer a sacred ritual that holds deep significance for Orthodox Christians worldwide.
The ceremony, set to happen 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 throughout the Altındere Valley within the northern Turkish province of 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 through 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 throughout 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 will likely be instituted at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday on the path to the monastery, curbing car motion. Access to Sümela will likely 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 reminiscent of 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
