Divine Liturgy held at Surb Khach Church on Akhtamar Island

The annual Divine Liturgy took place at the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (Surb Khach) on Akhtamar Island in Lake Van. Worshippers from around the world—including the United States, the United Kingdom, Armenia, Turkey, and other countries—gathered to attend the service.

The Armenian Church of the Holy Cross was built between 915 and 921 AD. In 2010, it was restored with financial support from the Turkish government and reopened as a museum. Following the renovation, the Armenian community was granted permission to hold a liturgy there once a year.