Istanbul, August 5, 2013
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The Orthodox Church of St Elias in Istanbul is under threat of demolition. The Church that was built in late 19th century and once attended by descendants of participants of the White movement who in 1920s fled Russia, together with two more Churches of the community are situated on the territory that the authorities are planning to hand over to the tourist business, reports Challenges.fr.
The city administration long ago refused to put the church on the protected objects list.
On August 2, the first Liturgy for last 40 years was served in this Church, the service being headed by a priest of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. In the view of the members of the community, after this event it will be more difficult to demolish the Church.
