ST. KHATCH LEFT WIHOUT CROSS

29 March, 2007
A1+

The Akhtamar St. Khatch church was built by the Armenian architect Manvel, under the sovereign {Armenian} Prince Gagik I in the 10th century. The monastery used to be the seat of the Catholicos in the years of 1113-1895.

Today, there took place the opening of the restored Surb Khatch (Holy Cross) which was eventually left without a cross. According to Turkish newspaper “Zaman”, the Turkish Foreign Ministry allowed putting the cross on the dome.

The Armenian delegation headed by Gagik Gyurjyan, vice minister of RA Culture and Youth was also present at the opening ceremony.

To remind, Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin has refused the invitation taking into account the fact that the church will turn into a museum and will no longer serve its main mission.

The church was built by Manvel architect under the sovereign of Prince Gagik I in the 10th century. The monastery used to be the seat of the Catholicos in the years of 1113-1895.

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