TRABZON
The third Greek Orthodox religious service since 2010 began on Wednesday at the Sumela Monastery in the northeastern province of Trabzon.
The service --marking the Assumption of Mother Mary, a sacred day for Christians-- is being led by Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew and started at 10:10 a.m. in the monastery which takes place in Macka town of Trabzon.
After 88 years, the first mass at Sumela was held in 2010.
Visitors lit candles and prayed at the entrance of the monastery.
Sumela Monastery was founded in 386 AD during the reign of the Emperor Theodosius I. Legend has it that two priests undertook its creation after discovering a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave on the mountain. During its long history, the monastery fell into ruin several times and was restored by various emperors.
Following the conquest by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1461, it was granted the sultan's protection and given rights and privileges that were renewed by following sultans. The monastery remained a popular destination for monks and travelers through the years.
The site was abandoned in 1923, following population exchanges between Greece and Turkey.
Today the monastery's primary function is as a tourist attraction.
As of 2012, the Turkish government is funding restoration work, and the monastery is enjoying a revival in pilgrimage from Greece and Russia.
Only 450 to 500 visitors are allowed in the monastery during the liturgy.
