Trabzon, Trabzon Province, Turkey, August 14, 2024
Photo: romfea.gr
The feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, sometimes known as the Summer Pascha, is one of the most beloved feasts of the entire liturgical year.
Since 2010, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has had a tradition of celebrating the feast at the ancient Panagia Sumela, an ancient monastery in Trabzon, Turkey, though it is always a question whether the Turkish government will permit the celebration.
Last year, the authorities Turkey forbids Liturgy for Dormition at Panagia Sumela this yearFor centuries, the cliff-side Panagia Sumela Monastery in the Black Sea city served as the cradle of Pontian Hellenism.
“>initially refused but later Turkey reverses decision—Patriarch Bartholomew will serve in Panagia SumelaTurkish authorities have reversed their earlier decision and are now allowing Patriarch Bartholomew to celebrate the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God at the ancient Panagia Sumela Monastery on August 15.”>changed their mind. Formal written approval arrived just a few days before the feast
Permission came last minute this year as well. Turkish authorities decided not to permit a Liturgy on the feast of the Dormition itself, but on August 23, when the Church celebrates the Leavetaking of the Dormition, reports Romfea.
The service will be celebrated by Metropolitan Stefanos of Kallipolis.
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For centuries, the cliff-side Panagia Sumela Monastery in the Black Sea city served as the cradle of Pontian Hellenism. After 88 years of banning access to the site, Turkey reopened it on August 15, 2010, and a new tradition of Patriarch Bartholomew Divine Liturgy celebrated in Panagia Soumela Monastery for the second year in a row
“>celebrating the monastery’s patronal feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos began.
However, the monastery was closed for restoration in September 2015, and the Patriarch was Pontian outrage as Turkey cancels August 15 church service at Panayia SoumelaThe historic monastery held its first liturgy in June of 2010 after 88 years, with permission granted by the Turkish government at the time, with the Ecumenical Patriarch presiding over the liturgy in honour of the Virgin Mary in whose name the monastery was named.
“>not permitted to serve throughout the restoration process, which mostly addressed the stability of the cliff.
A series of mini-inaugurations successively opened more sections of the monastery. It was opened up through the first courtyard in May 2019, and in Panagia Sumela Monastery reopens after 5 years of restoration, Erdoğan says Orthodox will be allowed to serveThe historic Panagia Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, Turkey finally reopened yesterday after 5 years of restoration work.
“>July 2020, 65% of the monastery was opened to the public and the Divine Liturgy was celebrated again on WATCH: Divine Liturgy celebrated at Panagia Sumela Monastery in Turkey for first time since 2010On Saturday, August 15, the new calendar feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Panagia Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, Turkey for the first time since 2015.”>Dormition that year.
The monastery fully reopened to the public in Turkey’s Panagia Sumela Monastery fully reopens, receives 5,000 visitors in two daysThe world-renowned Panagia Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, Turkey, saw thousands of visitors in just two days after it fully reopened to the public for the first time in six years.
“>May 2022, and Pat. Bartholomew and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the feast of Dormition there that August.
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