Turkish authorities’ rejection of religious service at historic monastery draws criticism

Greek diplomatic sources have expressed criticism over the Turkish authorities’ decision to deny permission for August 15 celebrations at the former Orthodox monastery of Sumela, located in the mountainous region of Trabzon, known to the Greeks as Trebizont.

The Ecumenical Patriarch, who is in Istanbul, informed the Christian community about this decision in a statement released on Thursday. However, there was no explanation for the refusal. Diplomatic sources said on Friday that “the decision by the Turkish authorities to deny permission for a religious service to be held at the historic monastery of Panagia Sumela on August 15 is an extremely disappointing development for all the faithful and pilgrims who have been looking forward to visiting this year.”

“The Holy Monastery of Panagia Sumela, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate and historically an important place of worship for Christians around the world, should receive the highest level of protection and be fully accessible to all,” they added.

The holiday was held on the restored monument both in 2022 and 2021, after it was closed in 2015 for restoration and strengthening work.

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