Nestled in a steep cliff at an altitude of about 1,200 metres above sea level, the Soumela Monastery in Trabzon Province is believed to have a history of more than a thousand years. A site of major historical and cultural significance, as well as a prominent tourist attraction, it stands as a symbol of Pontic Greek heritage in the region, while also carrying religious importance for Greek orthodox worshippers.
Now the monastery will be open for the 15 August feast of the Virgin Mary after a 5-year closure.
The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia and the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada welcome the decision to allow for a liturgy to take place following an announcement made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.
“What hasn’t been lost on our Federations is the abhorrent decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque. We are not swindled but are very aware of Erdogan’s ill intended decisions towards Orthodox Christians worldwide. Yet we support any member who wishes to visit the Monastery of Panagia Soumela to partake in liturgy this year on 15 August,” write the groups in a joint statement.
“We support any member who wishes to visit the Monastery of Panagia Soumela. However, we also understand those within our community who do not want to confirm Erdogan’s claim to respect our culture and be a party to accepting the invitation of his government to visit.”
The groups remember the pain of the Genocide they suffered in Turkey and state that the opening of Soumela is a “feeble attempt to placate our people and meant to be taken as a gesture of ‘respecting our culture'”.
Panagia Soumela Monastery served as a beacon of Christianity for 1600 years until its seizure and ban in 1922. The groups say they will continue to honour Panagia Soumela whether it is open or not and welcome any attempt by any media company to broadcast the Divine Liturgy that is to take place.