Turkish authorities have banned the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in ancient Pisidian Antioch

Turkish authorities denied permission to hold the Divine Liturgy scheduled for July 9 at the Basilica of St. Paul, located in ancient Antioch of Pisidia. This move has prevented the service from taking place at one of Asia Minor’s historic Christian sites, according to Orthodoxia.info.

An official notice regarding the cancellation of the event was published by the Pisidian Metropolis of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The announcement to the faithful and pilgrims specifies that the Eucharistic gathering, which was to take place near the modern city of Yalvaç, will not be held. The authorities have not disclosed the reasons for this decision.

Antioch of Pisidia is a significant site for the Christian world, as it is directly linked to the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. It was here, according to Chapter 13 of the Book of Acts, that the Apostle Paul preached alongside the Apostle Barnabas, laying the foundations for the Christian community in this region.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that Turkish authorities once again refused to allow the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated at the historic Panagia Sumela Monastery on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, August 15 (New Style). This decision, now in effect for the third consecutive year, has sparked a wave of outrage among Orthodox believers and Pontic Greeks around the world.