Phanar: Turkish authorities grant permission for Services at Panagia Faneromeni and Panagia Soumela

The Ecumenical Patriarchate has received permission from the relevant Turkish authorities to celebrate Divine Liturgies at two historic pilgrimage sites in Asia Minor and Pontus on Sunday, August 23, 2026, the day marking the Leave-taking of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

According to an official announcement, the necessary permits have been granted for worship services to be held at two locations of particular significance to Orthodoxy and Hellenism.

At the ruins of the historic Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni in Artaki of Cyzicus, the Divine Liturgy will be presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

At the same time, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon, continuing the tradition of recent years that has allowed Orthodox services to be held at the renowned monastery of Pontus.

In its announcement, the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed its satisfaction over the granting of the permits, which will enable the faithful to commemorate the Leave-taking of the Dormition feast at two of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Christian East.