Erdogan promises Putin to safeguard Christian shrines in Hagia Sophia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: ria.ru
On July 13, 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure the safety of Christian shrines of Hagia Sophia which had been converted into a mosque. The results of the telephone conversation between the Heads of two States were reported in the Kremlin press service.
“Vladimir Putin drew the attention of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to a significant public outcry in Russia caused by the decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul,” the press service said. “The President of Turkey gave relevant explanations, noting that access to this unique monument of world civilization will be guaranteed for all comers, including foreign citizens, and Christian shrines will be preserved.”
On July 10, the Turkish State Council announced that Hagia Sophia would become a mosque.
Read also
"KyivPride" organizers announced dates for holding LGBT march in capital
Activists plan to hold mass events in June 2026.
Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy
The Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools, Archbishop Sylvester, tonsured four students of the academy and seminary into monasticism.
No language law violations found at Holosiiv Monastery school
The inspection found no evidence of Russian-language instruction in the school that operated on the grounds of the Holosiiv Monastery.
Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source
In Prague, preparations have begun to terminate lease agreements concluded with Orthodox church communities.
Rome's basilica bust re-attributed to Michelangelo
A marble bust that has stood for centuries in one of Rome’s basilicas has been re-attributed to Michelangelo after nearly 200 years in obscurity.