Ecumenical Patriarchate receives permission in writing for divine liturgy at Panaghia Soumela on August 15

The Ecumenical Patriarchate on Friday thanked the Prefect of Trebzon for signing the written permit for the Patriarchal liturgy at the historic Monastery of Panaghia Soumela on August 15, feast day for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

In its statement on Friday, the Ecumenical Patriarchate said it received the permit in writing on the day, thanking both the signatory and Turkish government authorities.

It is noted that initially Turkish authorities had refused permission, but approval was first issued late last month.

The Panaghia Soumela Monastery is located high in the Pontic Mountains and was founded nearly 1600 years ago.