Diplomatic sources on Turkish authorities decision to forbid liturgy at Panaghia Soumela

The Turkish authorities' decision to forbid a liturgy at the historic Orthodox monastery of Panaghia Soumela on the August 15 religious holiday is an extremely disappointing development for all the faithful and the pilgrims that expected to visit it this year, Greek diplomatic sources said on Friday.

The same sources also added that "the Holy Monastery of Panaghia Soumela, which was a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and has always been a significant place of religious worship for all Christians, should have the greatest possible protection and be fully accesible to everyone," the same sources added.