On September 11, the Holy Cross Church on Akhtamar Island in Turkey hosted the 2nd liturgy to mark the day of the Exaltation of the Cross.

3000 believers attended the 2-hour mass, served by the Patriarchal Vicar of Constantinople, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan.

On September 19, 2001 the Holy Cross Church hosted the first liturgy in 95 years. Contrary to prior promises, Turkish authorities failed to set a cross on the dome of the church, which, however, was installed two weeks following the mass.

Approx 7000 Armenian believers arrived at the 1st liturgy.