The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, Sahak Mashalian, recently visited Diyarbakir. After reviewing the restoration work on the Surp Giragos Church, which was damaged during the Turkish-Kurdish clashes, the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople also visited the Governor of Diyarbakir, Müniр Karaloğlu. This was reported by “Akunq,” citing a statement by the Patriarchate published in “Agos.”
According to the source, the Governor of Diyarbakir expressed interest in the progress of the restoration work at the Surp Giragos Church. Within the framework of the meeting, both sides noted with satisfaction that the church’s renovation work is proceeding regularly, and if it continues in the same manner, it will be completed by spring.
It was also emphasized that the church is expected to reopen on the Feast of the Holy Resurrection, on Easter Sunday. According to the Patriarchate’s communiqué, the Governor of Diyarbakir also proposed restoring the Surp Sarkis Armenian Church in Diyarbakir. The publication notes that the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople examined the Surp Sarkis Church during his visit to Diyarbakir.
Let us recall that during the Turkish-Kurdish clashes that began in late 2015, the Surp Giragos Church in Diyarbakir sustained heavy damage. The Turkish state is also supporting the church’s restoration work. The renovation began in 2019.
