The Pan-Pontian Federation of Greece has condemned what it describes as a “further escalation of Turkish provocations” against the religious sentiments of Greeks, particularly those of Pontian descent, following the fact that no permission was granted for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon, Pontus, for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
This year marks the first time since the revival of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at Panagia Soumela in 2010 that the service would not take place at the Holy Monastery on Mount Mela. The Pan-Pontian Federation emphasized that this situation is solely due to the actions of the Turkish authorities.
“It is significant that this year, for the first time, the Divine Liturgy will not be held, and the absence of the Ecumenical Patriarch underscores the severity of this issue,” the Federation stated in their official release.
The Federation also criticized the Greek government’s response, or lack thereof, to the situation. “Our ongoing concern is the stance of the Greek government, which remains -conspicuously- silent, even as it permits and facilitates the entry of Turkish visitors who view our islands as ‘occupied territories’ and participate in provocative, nationalist, and anti-Greek activities,” the statement read.
This development has sparked widespread concern among Greeks, particularly those with Pontian roots, as the Monastery of Panagia Soumela holds deep religious and historical significance. The fact that the Divine Liturgy was not celebrated is seen as not just a denial of religious freedom but also as a broader political move that undermines the cultural heritage of the Pontian Greeks.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
