The renovation work of the Holy Trinity Church in the Armenian city of Malatya, Turkey, which began in June 2015 during the tenure of Aram Archbishop Ateshian, Deputy Patriarch of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, will soon be completed.
The renovation costs were covered by the governorship of Malatya. The reconstruction project was prepared by architect Kevork Ozgarakeoz and Karpis Eveapan, members of the compatriotic union of Istanbul-based Malatyans.
The reopening efforts of the church were also addressed, and further details were provided, by the Facebook page “Patriarkhutyun Hayots,” noting that the Patriarchal See is overseeing these works.
The source specifically wrote:
“The renovation from the ground up and reopening works of the Holy Trinity Church of Malatya have already reached their completion. According to the planned schedule, the opening ceremony will take place at the end of August. At this stage, the Patriarchal See is showing its direct interest in the Holy Trinity Church.
With the blessing and order of His Holiness Patriarch Sahak II, on 4 August, a delegation departed from Istanbul to Malatya to examine on site the works carried out. The delegation comprised the Director of Religious Affairs of the Patriarchal See, Very Rev. Fr. Tatul Anushyan, the Chairman of the Malatya Hayder Union, Nurhan Gezdiriji, and union member Kevork Ozkarakeoz. The group arriving from Istanbul was welcomed in Malatya by the Spiritual Pastor of Antioch and its Vicinity, Rev. Fr. Avedis Tabashyan, Deacon Yusuf Tabashyan, and members of Malatya’s Armenian community, Serdar Boyajiyan and Aret Boyajiyan.
Following the discussions held on site, the delegation members also visited the Mayor of Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, Selahattin Gurkan. During the meeting, the schedule of the reopening ceremony was also clarified. As is known, the church will officially be called the ‘Holy Trinity Church – Tashkhoran Culture Center.’ According to the planned schedule, on Thursday morning, 26 August 2021, with the participation of the relevant authorities, the official opening ceremony of the church will take place. On Saturday, 28 August, the consecration ceremony of the church will be held by the hand of the Patriarch. And on Sunday morning, 29 August, the Patriarch will celebrate the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in the newly blessed temple. During the meeting, an exchange of ideas took place regarding the ceremonies.
Upon his return to Istanbul, the Director of Religious Affairs conveyed information about the discussions held to the Patriarch. The church, having been put in order internally and externally, was ready for the ceremony. And until the reopening ceremony, the church, already fully furnished, would take on the character of a temple. On this occasion, the Director of Religious Affairs also conveyed the greetings of Mayor Gurkan to the Patriarch.”
