RF State Duma appeals to Turkish Parliament regarding Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Photo: duma.gov.ru
On July 7, 2020, the State Duma of the Russian Federation appealed to the Turkish Parliament not to change the status of Hagia Sophia from museum to mosque, according to the official website of the State Duma.
The parliamentarians request to uphold the decision of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, thanks to whom Hagia Sophia, which received the status of a museum in 1935, for many years has become a symbol of peace and interfaith harmony.
“An outstanding monument of Byzantine architecture, a world masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage List, this cathedral-museum is one of the most visited sights of Istanbul city by Russian tourists,” the appeal said.
According to the document, it is necessary to take all possible steps in order to prevent a global damage that could be caused by a hasty change in the status of the world famous museum.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the authorities of the Russian Federation called to look to the world significance of Hagia Sophia when deciding on its status.
Read also
Dumenko: The enemy has destroyed Ukranian liturgical language for centuries
Epifaniy assured that "imperial invaders" burned Ukrainian liturgical literature.
TRC releases previously detained priest of UOC's Ovruch Eparchy
Believers are thanked for their support and prayers.
Vance: A broken culture tends to turn young people into androgynous idiots
U.S. Vice President stated that modern society seeks to erase differences between genders, shaping people "who think the same, talk the same, and act the same."
In Volyn, UOC priests receive gratitude from AFU for volunteering
The clergy noted that they have always been supported by parishioners and communities willing to share their last resources.
Vance: We don't worry about earthly rewards but how we're doing before God
The Vice President of America shared that he is doing his best to follow God’s will.
Vance: Death is a bad thing, but losing your soul is much more terrible
"The fundamental tenant of the Christian faith is that the Son of God became man, He died and then He raised Himself from the dead," the U.S. Vice President reminded Americans.