ROC regrets Turkey didn’t hear millions of Christians’ concerns over Sophia

Hagia Sophia’s interior in Istanbul. Photo: tui-ukraine.livejournal.com

Hagia Sophia’s interior in Istanbul. Photo: tui-ukraine.livejournal.com

On July 10, 2020, head of the Department for the Church's Relations with Society and the Media Vladimir Legoyda expressed regret over the decision of the Turkish authorities to change Hagia Sophia’s status from a museum to a mosque, reports "Interfax-Religion”.

Vladimir Legoyda said: "It has to be stated that the concerns of millions of Christians were not heard.”

According to him, "of course, there is still an approval by (Turkish President – Ed.) Erdogan, but today's court decision shows that all calls for extreme sensitivity in this matter have been ignored”.

As reported earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree changing the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque.

 

Read also

St. Sava Black Tie Gala Scheduled for November 8

The event will be held at the St. Regis Chicago and will suppport the mission of St. Sava Academy.

St. Paul's in Dayton, OH, to Host 4th Annual Liturgical Music Workshop

This two-day event welcomes church musicians, choir directors, chanters, and Orthodox music enthusiasts for fellowship, prayer, and skill-building in liturgical music.

Pat. of Alexandria Speaks of Egyptian President's 'Love and Concern' for Orthodox Church

In an interview conducted by the Prime Minister's office, Theodore II said of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: “The President’s love and concern for the Greek Orthodox Church in Egypt are a precious treasure for all of us."

After Criticism from National Herald, GOARCH Shares Public Schedule of Pat. Bartholomew

Questions had previously been raised about the Patriarch of Constantinople's upcoming visit to the U.S., which initially had a schedule of meetings that was seemingly restricted to the more privileged members of the archdiocese.

Serbian Orthodox Priest: There Is Only One Canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine — The UOC

Archpriest Slobodan Zeković affirms the exclusive canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onuphry and explains the Church’s stance on Holy Communion and intercommunion with other Christian communities.

Pat. Porfirije: The Church Must Resist Applause at Appearing 'Modern'

Serbian Patriarch warns against diluting the Church’s mission during visit to historic Belgrade parish.