RF rep calls to remember world status of Sophia in deciding on its status

Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Photo: turistim.ru

Russian authorities expressed hope that when deciding on the status of the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul, Turkey will take into account the fact that this site is a masterpiece of world art and has sacred value, said Russian President's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, as reported by “Interfax".

"Certainly, we hope that the status of Hagia Sophia as a World Heritage site will be taken into account. Of course, it is a favourite world masterpiece for tourists from all countries who visit Turkey, including tourists who come from Russia. And apart from its tourist value, Hagia Sophia has a very deep sacred spiritual value," he said.

"Of course, we expect that all this will be considered by our Turkish colleagues," said the presidential spokesman.

He recalled that the ROC Primate had already expressed the ROC's view on this issue.

As reported, earlier the head of the State Department, Mike Pompeo, urged Turkey to preserve the status of a museum for Hagia Sophia.

Read also

In Spain, murderer moved to women's prison after claiming to be female

A Spaniard convicted of a series of brutal murders has secured a transfer to a women's prison allegedly based on a change of gender identity.

Georgian Patriarchate warns about fake social media pages

The Georgian Orthodox Church has stated that unknown individuals are using official symbols to create fake social media pages.

Court extends round-the-clock house arrest for Metropolitan Arseniy

The Chechelivsky Court of Dnipro left the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra under house arrest and allowed him to attend medical procedures without separate permission.

OCU shows number of parishioners in seized church of Bezuhlivka

About 15 people with flags stood at the first "service" at St. Michael's Church after the seizure.

In Kyiv, OCU and UGCC сhaplains given an introductory tour of synagogue

Ukraine’s chief rabbi said that clergy of the OCU, UGCC, and RCC familiarized themselves with Jewish tradition at a synagogue.

OCU outraged that Lepliavo parish removed church property before seizure

The Cherkasy Eparchy of the OCU complained that after the fake “transfer” in Lepliavo, UOC faithful left them nothing but bare walls.