Sunday, August 15, 2010

The Historic Divine Liturgy At Soumela in Pontus


News articles and photos can be seen at the following links:

Turkey: Patriarch Holds Historic Mass at Monastery

After 88 Years, Orthodox Christians Hold Mass at Monastery in Turkey

Orthodox Christians From Abroad Gather in Turkey's Sumela After 88 Years

Turkey: Orthodox Christians Gather For First Mass in Almost 90 Years at Ancient Monastery

Sümela To Host Historic Mass Amidst Nationalist Protests

In Pictures: Historic Orthodox Mass at Ancient Turkish Monastery

The Icons of Panagia Soumela of Pontus

Turkey: Bartholomew I Celebrates First Mass at Our Lady of Sumela After 88 Years

Orthodox Christians Flock to Once-Banned Holy Site of Sumela Monastery in Turkey

The homily of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew can be read here and seen below, along with some footage from the Divine Liturgy below that:







The entire Divine Liturgy can be seen here. Below is a video of the Metropolitan of Drama singing a very old Pontian song to the Theotokos following the Divine Liturgy.

Posted by J.Sanidopoulos at 1:01 PM
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3 comments:

  1. It seems that the Divine Liturgy was celebrated facing the people. Does anyone know why this was done?

    Just asking, and not intending to start a debate.
    ReplyDelete
  2. Judging from this photo: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10980785

    I would say it was purely for safety and practical issues. The altar is highly elevated on a small platform, and facing away from the people the Patriarch and those with him would be in danger of mistakenly falling from a fairly high elevation. Unfortunately the Turks would not allow the Liturgy to be held indoors.
    ReplyDelete
  3. Interestingly, it was on August 15, 1461 that the Empire of Trebizond surrendered to the forces of Sultan Mehmet II. This is regarded by some historians as the real end of the Byzantine/Roman Empire. Emperor David is exiled and later murdered.
    ReplyDelete

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