Today, only a few dozen pilgrims attended the divine service for the feast of the “Nine Days of the Virgin Mary” in the historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon, which, however, was held in an atmosphere of excitement and emotion.

This year – out of fear of the nationalists – the Turkish authorities did not give permission for a liturgy on August 15th, but on August 23rd, while the Ecumenical Patriarch did not attend the divine liturgy, the Metropolitan of Kalliopolis Stefanos officiated instead.

The faithful who received permission to attend the divine service this year did not exceed 100 and came mainly from Greece and Georgia.

In previous years, more than 1,000 pilgrims usually came to Trebizond.

In the previous days, nationalist circles in Turkey had launched a campaign in the media and social networks against the performance of the liturgy and against Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The security measures were particularly strict, the passage of vehicles to the monastery was prohibited from 08.00 in the morning, while only visitors with a special permit were allowed to go to Panagia Sumela.

In his speech, Metropolitan Mr. Stefanos emphasized that prayers are also for peace and solidarity throughout the world and thanked the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the prefect of Trabzon and the mayor for their help.

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is in the birthplace of Imbros, presided over the divine liturgy at the church of the Dormition of the Virgin in his village, Agioi Theodorou.