Patriarch Daniel speaks against conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque
Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul. Photo: basilica.ro
On July 8, 2020, the Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, sent a letter to Patriarch Bartholomew, in which he supports the preservation of the current status of Hagia Sophia as a museum, the website of the Romanian Orthodox Church reports.
The letter says that “The initiative of the Romanian Patriarchate takes into account inestimable value of this basilica, unanimously recognized as a symbol of Christian faith and civilization and of universal art, which determined its inclusion in the universal cultural heritage in 1985, the Romanian Patriarch expresses his solidarity with all those who defends this symbol of the universal Orthodox Church."
The document also says that "members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the entire Romanian people as believers in Romania express concrete support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in defence of the current status of Hagia Sophia Cathedral."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem hopes that Turkey will keep the current status of Hagia Sophia.
Read also
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.