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
Bulgarian Patriarch: OCU issue discussed in Istanbul
According to the BOC head, during the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukrainian issue was considered with respect for the position of the Bulgarian Church.
Shevchuk to Cherkasy officials: UGCC is on the information war front lines
The head of the UGCC told officials in Cherkasy region that the church has become an important participant in the information war.
Ukraine’s ambassador to U.S. tells congresswoman why authorities target UOC
According to Stefanishyna, the UOC speaks about persecution because it is “linked to Moscow”.
Christmas procession visits UOC churches in Kamianske
A procession with revered shrines is taking place in the city, before which prayers are offered for peace and for the people of Kamianske.
In Kherson, Met. Ioann serves funeral for UOC priest killed by drone strike
The ruling hierarch of the Kherson Eparchy led the funeral service for Archpriest Heorhii Horbenko.
Persecuted UOC parish in Kruty celebrates Christmas in makeshift space
The parish has been celebrating the Nativity of Christ outside its church building for the second year in a row.