In a rare positive development related to the Greek Orthodox legacy in Turkey, the historic church of the Archangel Michael, in the Trabzon region, has been fully restored.
The church, built in 1332 during the reign of Emperor Andronikos III, stands in the Pontian city of Platana, today known as Akçaabat, in Turkish.
The restoration is part of efforts by certain local Turkish authorities to restore historic churches and monasteries, in order to attract visitors and pilgrims from predominately Orthodox countries.
Nevertheless, the cathedral will not be returned to the Church for the holding of holy services, but will be used by the municipality as a cultural center.