The Akdamar Church is notable not only for its architectural and artistic value, but also for its deep religious significance for the Armenian Apostolic Church. The full name of the building, Surp Haç Church (Church of the Holy Cross), directly reflects this religious significance. According to legend, when the church was being built, a piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified was brought from Jerusalem and this holy relic was kept here. This made the building a centre of pilgrimage.
Akdamar, which was an important religious stop for Armenian pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages, was considered one of the spiritual centres of its period. The rituals held in the church were not only religious worship, but also had a deep place in the social structure of the society.
After 1915, the church was closed for worship, and although it has not been used for many years, since 2010, it has been allowed to hold a service once a year in September. This service is an event of high symbolic and spiritual value for the Armenian Apostolic community. Every year, Armenian Christians from different parts of the world flock to Akdamar Island on this special day and pray in the shadow of the Holy Cross.
This has made Akdamar Church a revered religious heritage not only in Turkey but also among the international Christian community. Although it is not used for worship today, this building, which has the status of a memorial museum, still carries deep meaning as a place of spirituality.