Sumela Monastery holds annual service without Patriarch first time since 2010

The historic Sumela Monastery, located in the Altindere Valley of Trabzon’s Macka district, hosted its annual service on Friday, August 23, 2024. Orthodox Christians gathered for the ceremony dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a tradition that dates back to 2010. However, this year’s event took place under unusual circumstances, marking the first time in over a decade that Patriarch Bartholomew did not attend.

Date Change due to political sensitivity

The service, which usually occurs on August 15, was rescheduled to August 23 after its original date coincided with the anniversary of Trabzon’s conquest by the Ottomans, a sensitive historical event for Turkish nationalists.

The decision to postpone the ceremony prompted speculation about its political implications. Despite the delay, the service went ahead as planned, led by Metropolitan Stefanos Dinidis of Gallipoli. The lower-than-expected turnout included over 50 Orthodox Christians from Greece and Georgia.

Bartholomew’s absence and Orthodox reactions

For many attendees, Sumela Monastery is not just a place of worship but a symbol of Orthodox Christian heritage. The monastery, perched high on the cliffs of Mount Karadag, holds religious significance, especially on the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a day revered across the Orthodox Christian world. This year, however, the absence of Patriarch Bartholomew was a notable departure from tradition.

Greek media outlets reported that Bartholomew’s decision to skip the service might have been influenced by the date change. Although no official reason was given by the Patriarchate, sources suggested that the shift from August 15—a date held sacred in Orthodox tradition—may have contributed to his absence. His withdrawal from the event has stirred conversations among the Orthodox community, with some viewing it as a response to the increasingly complicated relationship between the Patriarchate and Türkiye.

Attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to worship at Sumela, with Metropolitan Dinidis addressing the faithful, “We gathered here today, alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters, and Orthodox guests from abroad, in honor of the Virgin Mary. We prayed for lasting peace and solidarity in our country and the world.” Dinidis also extended thanks to Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with local officials, for their support in organizing the ceremony.

Zelenskyy refers Patriarch Bartholomew as “ecumenical”

The annual service at Sumela Monastery resumed in 2010 after a nearly 88-year hiatus, having been banned during the early years of the Turkish Republic. However, from 2015 to 2019, services were once again paused due to restoration work at the site, which was closed to visitors for safety reasons amid the risk of falling rocks.

International reaction has also contributed to the political complexity of the issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently spoke with Patriarch Bartholomew, referring to him as “ecumenical” and expressing gratitude for his unwavering support. This interaction, however, was met with sharp criticism from Türkiye’s nationalist circles, including leaders like Umit Ozdag of the Zafer Party, who accused Zelenskyy of meddling in Türkiye’s internal affairs.

Meanwhile, the decision to reschedule this year’s event drew sharp criticism from nationalist figures in Türkiye. Retired Rear Admiral Cihat Yayci condemned the service’s timing, calling it a violation of the Lausanne Treaty and the Turkish Constitution.

He argued that such religious events carry political undertones rather than purely spiritual intentions. “Having this ceremony on the anniversary of Trabzon’s conquest is an affront,” he said at a press conference, stressing that while individual prayers are welcome, a patriarch-led service should not be allowed on such a day.