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

Zelensky named among world’s most influential Jews

The Ukrainian president ranked 21st in The Jerusalem Post’s annual list, topped this year by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.

UOC believers in Rivne region hold procession to Derman monastery

About 500 pilgrims walked to the Holy Trinity Monastery in the Rivne region on the feast day of St. Hierotheus of Ostroh.

Pilgrims from UOC’s Khust Eparchy meet Patriarch Theophilos in Jerusalem

A group of UOC faithful from Zakarpattia visited the holy sites of the Holy Land and received the archpastoral blessing of the Primate of the Jerusalem Church.

UOC parishioners at Kyiv’s Demiivka church defend their rights in court

The rector of the Demiivka parish said documents relating to the church had been falsified and asked for prayers ahead of the second court hearing.

Prosecutor in Metropolitan Theodosiy case named in NABU tapes

A deputy head of the Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor’s Office who was involved in the case against Metropolitan Theodosiy has been named in an anti-corruption investigation.

Gay pride march held in Kharkiv metro

Several dozen people held an LGBT event in the Kharkiv metro.