Turkish authorities have, for the third year running, refused permission for a Divine Liturgy to be held at the historic Panagia Soumela monastery on August 15th. This date marks the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a significant religious occasion for Christians, particularly those of Pontic Greek heritage. The request to hold the liturgy was made by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church. The denial prevents millions of Christians from observing the tradition at its historical location in the Black Sea region of Pontus. Critics are raising concerns about religious freedom and the ongoing restrictions placed on Orthodox Christian practices within Turkey. The move continues a pattern of access limitations to the culturally and religiously important monastery. No official explanation for the denial has yet been provided by Turkish officials.