Easter celebrations took place also in Karasun Manuk Armenian Church and Vakıflı Virgin Mary Armenian Church. After the ceremony, a feast dinner is blessed and shared.
Iskenderun Karasun Manuk Armenian Church hosted the Easter celebration in the evening on Saturday. Holy Mass was led by Father Avedis Tabaşyan. Rev. Tabaşyan who gave his sermon in Turkish language stated that the resurrection of the son of man is a miracle and for this reason it is celebrated since two thousand years.
Rev. Tabaşyan who gave messages of peace and brotherhood in his speech also said: “We convey our gratitude to all the statesmen who sent us Easter messaged during these holidays. We will also pray for them. We should also pray for the end of all the fights and worries in our country. May this feast bring peace to all of us.”
After the mass, the members of the congregation and guests gathered in the church hall together with Father Tabaşyan, tapped eggs which is the symbol of the Easter and celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. CHP Congress Delegate Nermin Yıldırım Kara also participated the Easter mass held at the Armenian Church.
Easter is celebrated with enthusiasm in Vakıflı
Samandağ / Vakıflı Virgin Mary Armenian church also hosted the Easter Mass on Saturday morning. At the ceremony held with the participation of a crowded group of faithful, prayers were done in Armenian and Turkish, and candles were burnt for peace and brotherhood.
Samandağ District Governor Murat Kütük, Inspector of the Ministry of Interior Cahit Çelik, Samandağ Mayor Mithat Nehir, Garrison Commander Captain Emrah Nergiz and civil citizens attended the Easter celebration held at the Vakıflı Church.
The celebrations took place under the auspices of the Vakıflı Armenian Foundation President Cem Çapar with an enthusiastic crowd.
Samandağ Mayor Mithat Nehir said: “We celebrated the Feast of Easter and shared our Armenian brothers’ and sisters’ enthusiasm. The joys multiply if they are shared. I congratulate the festival of all our Armenian compatriots and wish the peace, the existence of brotherhood and the preservation of our traditions in the future.”