Turkish Authorities Approve Divine Liturgies at Historic Sites

ISTANBUL — The Ecumenical Patriarchate has announced that Turkish authorities have granted permission for Orthodox Divine Liturgies to be celebrated on Aug. 23, 2026, at two historic pilgrimage sites in Asia Minor and Pontus: the Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon and the ruins of the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni in Artaki, Kyzicus.

The services will take place on the Leave-taking of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, continuing a practice that has allowed Orthodox faithful to worship periodically at significant historical sites within modern-day Turkey. According to an official announcement from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Patr. Bartholomew will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the ruins of the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni.

At the same time, a hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon, one of the most important pilgrimage sites associated with Pontic Hellenism and Orthodox Christianity. The monastery has hosted periodic Orthodox services in recent years following authorization from Turkish authorities.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate welcomed the granting of the required permits, describing the opportunity to celebrate the Dormition leave-taking at these historic monasteries as a significant moment for Orthodox Christians and for the preservation of the spiritual heritage of Asia Minor and Pontus.

The two liturgies are expected to draw pilgrims and faithful from Turkey, Greece, and the broader Orthodox world.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an ancient Aramaic inscription revealed that early Christians closed a pagan temple in Turkey.