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YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS: There is no doubt that the event to be held in Surb Khach Church is merely a show by Turkey, but it is certain that scenario fell down from the very beginning, Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, historian Hayk Demoyan told today journalists, adding that the Turkish party did not manage to organize that ceremony professionally.
According to him, in 2007, when “the first part of the show was staged”, the Turkish party refused to place a cross on the dome of the church, as Turkey had declared itself a secular state, and gave to Aghtamar Church a status of museum. “Quite grandiosely Surb Khach of Aghtamar was decorated with Turkish flags with the photo of Ataturk welcoming at the entrance. It was a ridiculous ceremony for me, as irrespective of the status of museum, it is Christian temple in the end,” the historian noted, adding that he welcomes the decision of the Mother See in regard to Surb Khach. As for participation of individuals, Mr. Demoyan finds it is their right of choice.
He said that the liturgy of Surb Khach must have been preceded by two ceremonies - repair of the church and placing of a cross. According to him, to avoid further cultural propagating encroachments, the Armenian party must put forth a proposal on involving Ani – former capital of Armenia, in the cultural heritage list of UNESCO. “The Turkish party will surely revolt, but in that way the Armenian party will give a distinct message that suchlike puppet shows toward Christian heritage are unacceptable for us, and Ani is situated on the border and shows that it is a cultural heritage, it comes forth as all-European cultural heritage,” the historian said.