Thousands of Hellenes from Pontus, now residing in Greece, as well as those from former USSR countries this year once again flocked to the Trebizond area of Pontus to solemnly attend the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the monastery of Panagia Soumela, during the day of the celebration of the Assumption.
It is the second consecutive year, and after an authorization by the Turkish government, that the symbolic monastery of Pontus Hellenism once more opens its doors to believers, 89 years after their uprooting from their ancestral homes.
In this year’s celebration, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was joined by Archbishop of America, Demetrios.
Ivan Savvides, the expat member of the Russian State Duma is also attended, covering the expenses of the great musical and dance event which was held on Saturday night in the main square of the city, entitled: “The sounds of the lyre will unite the people”, bringing together musicians and dance groups from Greece, Russia and Turkey.
Source: AMNA, Proto Thema