Following a September 6 divine liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Lake Van’s Akhtamar Island, Armenian Apostolic Church Constantinople Patriarch Sahak Mashalian, called for restoring Armenia-Turkey relations.

Patriarch Sahak Mashalian led the service with Bishop Mesrob Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, who arrived with a special delegation of international pilgrims.

Mashalian highlighted that the central intention of this year's service was diplomacy and healing. As reported by Daily Sabah, he explicitly stated:

"Along with prayers for global peace and brotherhood among people, we had a special prayer this year for the restoration of Turkey-Armenia ties. People living in these lands deserve peace. We ask God for His blessing."

Photo: Armenian Patriarch Sahak Mashalian at Akhtamar; Sept. 6, 2026 (AA)