The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey will provide support for the restoration of the St. Forty Martyrs Armenian Church of Iskenderun, which sustained severe damage during the February 6 earthquake, Armenian Patriarch Sahak II announced.
The announcement was made on January 6, 2025, during a meeting with representatives of Armenian community organizations held at the Harutyun Amira Bezjian Hall, located next to the Holy Mother of God Patriarchal Cathedral in Istanbul’s Kum Kapi district. Speaking about his recent visit to Ankara, His Beatitude stated that the damaged church in Iskenderun has been included in a support program administered by the Ministry, creating expectations that restoration efforts will commence in the near future.
During his address, the Patriarch also reviewed key developments from the past year. He noted that the Armenian clergy had been strengthened through new ordinations and addressed ongoing challenges facing the community, particularly financial shortfalls affecting Armenian schools. In this context, he highlighted the relative success of fundraising initiatives organized to support these institutions.
His Beatitude further pointed to the numerous cultural, artistic, and sporting events held throughout the year, describing them as evidence of the Armenian community’s vitality and strong organizational capacity.
The meeting concluded with a prayer and the Patriarch’s blessing. Participants exchanged holiday greetings and received blessed pomegranates before departing.
