Didim Today

Opened to worship for the first time in 88 years, Orthodox Christians from Russia, Greece, Georgia and the United States poured into the Black Sea province for a historic mass Sunday at the iconic Sümela Monastery. Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew led the mass, which was attended by approximately 500 worshippers, marking the Assumption of the Mother Mary, a sacred day for Orthodox Christians.

Europe Papadopolous's grandparents were children when they fled their village in northeast Turkey and settled in Greece almost 90 years ago, yet she still felt she was in exile. Papadopolous, 45, was one of thousands of Orthodox faithful who journeyed to Sumela Monastery, built into a sheer cliff above the Black Sea forest, on Sunday to attend the first mass here since ethnic Greeks were expelled in 1923.

"Being apart from this place feels like Ulysses: always searching for your home," Papadopolous said to the media, tears streaming down her face and adding that even though her grandparents are dead, she was sure they could see her "homecoming."

The historic service is part of a broader easing of religious restrictions in Turkey as Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan seeks to fulfill pledges to expand minority rights, which could also kickstart Turkey's stalled European Union bid which we think never will help because EU trying every way to block Turkey and closed mosques.

However dont forget while many EU countries trying to ban and puts pressure on Muslims and specialy mosques, but Turkey just made better place and show real care for every religion.

If this was in UK example, alot of people would be on the streets and goverments would talk in parliements for days and days also protest would follow in every town, but here is the perfect example that Turkey shows truth care for every religion and not just muslim because this is how should be in every place.

Turkish security forces give alot of attention and made it secure for everyone and alot of police, local Jandarma was on duty. Also Armenian Orthodox followers will pray at a former church in eastern Turkey, part of efforts to repair relations with neighboring Armenia.