The annual liturgy at the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island, Lake Van, Turkey, was held on the second Sunday of September, according to Hurriyet Daily News. The service was led by the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church's Constantinople Diocese, Bishop Sahak Mashalyan, alongside the church's priest, Father Dırtad Uzunyan. Pilgrims from around the world attended the event, which has become a tradition since 2010.

The Church of the Holy Cross, built between 915 and 921 by architect Manuel (Manvel) under the orders of King Gagik Artsruni of the Kingdom of Vaspurakan, is the last remaining structure from the royal palace complex once located on the island. It became the seat of the Akhtamar Catholicosate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in 1113. After the persecution of Armenians in 1915, the church was abandoned, and regular services ceased for 95 years. It reopened in 2010 after restoration efforts and now functions as a museum, hosting liturgies once a year.

This year's service marked the twelfth annual liturgy since services resumed in 2010. Attendees included clergy, pilgrims, and officials, including Van Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez.

The Church of the Holy Cross is a significant example of Armenian and global Christian architecture. In 2015, it was included on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List. The church is renowned for its interior frescoes and unique reliefs on the exterior walls. These carvings, a hallmark of medieval Christian art, include figures of humans, animals, and plants. On the western facade, a relief depicts King Gagik Artsruni holding a model of the church. Additionally, the "vineyard frieze" surrounding the church showcases scenes of harvest, further emphasizing the church's artistic and cultural importance.