12th Liturgy at Sümela Monastery
The 12th liturgy, led by Metropolitan Pavlos Sofianopoulos of Kırklareli, was held at the historical Sümela Monastery in Maçka district of Trabzon.
Those who would attend the liturgy, held by Christian Orthodox believers on the anniversary considered sacred and accepted as 'the day of the Virgin Mary's assumption into heaven' in the Christian world, arrived at the historical Sümela Monastery by minibuses in the morning. Gendarmerie teams took security measures inside and around the monastery. Visitors who came to the entrance of the monastery before the 12th liturgy, held this year, were admitted in a controlled manner with entrance cards provided by the Trabzon Governorship. Fifty people, for whom a quota was allocated, took part in the liturgy led by Metropolitan Pavlos Sofianopoulos, which Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew did not attend this year. The liturgy, held on August 15 in previous years, was postponed to August 23 this year.
'A MESSAGE OF UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION'
Metropolitan Pavlos Sofianopoulos stated that different religions create a lively bond together, saying, "Our presence here is not just a religious event; it is also a testament to our faith. This testimony is based on a culture of living together in friendship and peace, and it creates a lively bond with the roots and traditions where different communities and religions have lived together in peace in our country for centuries. We extend our deep gratitude with respect and appreciation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who, by graciously granting the necessary permission for the performance of this holy liturgy, made this gathering possible. This gesture is an expression of respect for the spiritual heritage of the country's different communities and traditions; it is also a message of peace, understanding, and cooperation among peoples and civilizations. As the Greek Orthodox community, we have always been, and continue to be, advocates of this message."
Following the speech, hymns were sung, and blessed bread and wine were distributed to the participants. With the end of the liturgy, the historical monastery was reopened to visitors.
