U.S. State Dept: Hagia Sophia is a symbol of peaceful coexistence
US Department of State. Photo: romfea
According to the annual Report on International Religious Freedom by the US Department of State, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a symbol of peaceful coexistence between religions, according to the Greek edition Romfea.
The report highlights that “senior US government officials publicly and privately communicate their opinion to Turkish officials that Hagia Sophia is a monument of paramount importance”, and its status should be reserved in compliance with history and multiculturalism.
The US Department of State "reiterated that Hagia Sophia is a symbol of peaceful coexistence, true dialogue and respect between religions."
In addition, according to the report, “Foreign Secretary Mike Pompeo and other senior US government officials continue to urge Turkish government officials to open a Greek Orthodox theological school in Halki and allow all religious communities to receive education in the country.”
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in the opinion of the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, Turkey’s intentions to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque are petty and senseless.
Read also
In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure
Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.
UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination
The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.
UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine
The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.
Condition of Metropolitan Theodosiy shows first signs of recovery
For the first time since his hospitalization, the health indicators of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy have begun to improve.
Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5
The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy delivers 20 tons of food to Kyiv Theological Schools
Believers of the UOC eparchy collected vegetables, grains, and oil for KDAiS students.