Patriarchate worried about mass preparation on E Turkish island

Patriarchate worried about mass preparation on E Turkish island
Monday, August 2, 2010

VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The historical Surp Haç Church on the Akdamar Island in the eastern city of Van will stage and important date for the Armenian community. 

A Sept. 19 mass on Akdamar Island is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for the Armenian community, yet questions over its organization are worrying some that preparations will not be completed in time.

The Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review has learned that the entire organization of the event at the historical Surp Haç Armenian Church on eastern Van’s Akdamar Island has been left to the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, which will be responsible for technical installation, projection systems and sound systems, as well as tents, which must be set up in order to protect visitors from the sun.

A delegation sent to the island ahead of the event said the current electricity infrastructure is highly deficient and voiced concern that the few weeks left until the event would not be enough to sort out the problems.

Speaking to the Daily News, Van Gov. Münir Karaloğlu said the Governor’s Office was doing everything it could to assist. “We have only left a portion of the organization to the patriarchate. I do not understand the criticism.”

Deputy Patriarch Archbishop Aram Ateşyan, however, had a different view. “Three weeks ago, we were officially told that the organization was to be done by the patriarchate,” he said. “Frankly, we were startled at first, as before they had said all work was to be done by the Governor’s Office. Now the Governor’s Office will only install a single generator on the island. That is all.”

Speaking to the Daily News on June 18, Karaloğlu said his office was working together with the patriarchate and added that there would be no problems. He also had said projection and sound systems would be installed on the island, a press center would be set up and 3G technologies would be utilized to ensure live broadcasts ran smoothly.

Karaloğlu said only the preparation of the mass would be organized by the Patriarchate.

“We have assumed responsibility of the other 25 organizational issues, including security,” he had said. “The Governor’s Office may also help with the transport to and lodging of visitors on the island. We are doing our best for the mass to run smoothly.”