The usual suspects were at work again. Here is the summary of what happened:
The controversy emerged after the announcement of the planned liturgy, and a representative from the Islamist New Welfare Party in Turkey criticized it[1]. The Good Party spokesperson, Kursad Zorlu, called for the annual religious ceremony at Sumela to be canceled, which fanned the flames of the debate[2]. However, despite the controversy and challenges, the Assumption was celebrated in Sumela Monastery[3]. The Ecumenical Patriarchate published a statement in which it stated that some politicians had targeted religious activities in recent days for political reasons[4]. Greek diplomatic sources have expressed criticism regarding the decision made by Turkish authorities to refuse permission for the celebration[5]. It is worth noting that there was a previous controversy in 2022 when Greece protested to Turkey over a disco band at Sumela Monastery[6].
Citations:
[1] https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/08/11/patriarch-bartholomew-criticize-turkish-authorities-for-not-permitting-liturgy-sumela-monastery/amp/
[2] https://www.gerceknews.com/minorities/good-party-spokesperson-fans-flames-in-sumela-monastery-ceremony-debate-221089h
[3] https://www.gerceknews.com/minorities/assumption-celebrated-in-sumela-monastery-despite-controversy-and-challenges-221102h
[4] https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/08/15/turks-targeted-celebrations-at-sumela-monastery-for-political-reasons/
[5] https://www.ekathimerini.com/culture/1215967/turkish-authorities-denial-of-religious-service-at-historic-monastery-sparks-criticism/
[6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-protests-turkey-over-disco-band-sumela-monastery-2022-02-07/