The Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Aghtamar Island in Turkey's Lake Van will host its annual Mass on Sunday, September 5, Anadolu Agency reports.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a limited number of people will be able to attend the service at the medieval Armenian Apostolic cathedral, which is opened to worship once a year with the special permission of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Visitors, who will be transported to the island by boats on Sunday, will be able to watch the ritual only after measuring their temperature and other taking precautionary steps.
The church, which was built by King Gagik I in 915-921 and is of great importance for Armenians worldwide, will be closed to visitors during the ritual, and tourists will only be able to go inside once the Mass is over.
The once-a-year service is being offered on the first Sunday of September.
