Important Statement from ABTTF About the Mass at Sumela Monastery
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) reminds in a post on its social media accounts that the ceremony to be held for the eleventh time on August 23, 2024 at the Sumela Monastery in the Maçka district of Trabzon, on the occasion of the “Ascension Day of the Virgin Mary”, which is considered sacred by the Christian world, will be led by the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Vartholomeos.
The post stated that Turkey’s decision to allow religious services at the Sumela Monastery as a sign of its respect for different religions and cultures was greatly appreciated. However, it was emphasized that Greece had long violated the religious rights and freedoms of the Turks of Western Thrace, and that this situation constituted a serious problem.
The ABTTF stated that the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish community, such as the mufti elections and foundation properties, were awaiting a solution, and underlined that Turkey’s tolerant attitude towards the Greek Orthodox minority should be taken as an example. This ceremony, which is held every year on August 15, was planned to be held on August 23 this year.
