Orthodox Christians living in Turkey on Wednesday held a religious ceremony on an island in the historic Çanakkale province.

Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew took part in the annual ceremony at the Aya Nikola Church on the western island of Gökçeada, in the village of Zeytinli, where he was born.

Many priests from various countries and ethnic Greeks living in Turkey also took part in the event.

People prayed for a peaceful and healthy life by lighting candles at the church's entrance.

The ceremony, held every Aug. 15 on Gökçeada, marks the Feast of the Dormition, or the assumption of the sleeping Virgin Mary, Jesus' mother, to heaven.