Fanar's Archdiocese of US declares mourning on mosque opening day at Sophia
The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
The Holy Synod of the Greek Archdiocese of America has called on believers to observe July 24 – the day when Muslim prayer will take place for the first time at Hagia Sophia – as a day of mourning and grief, reports the archdiocese's official website.
In this regard, the Holy Eparchial Synod asks that every church of the Greek Archdiocese of America should toll its bells in lamentation on this day and called for every flag of every kind that is raised on the Church property should be lowered to half-mast. The Synod urges invited fellow Orthodox Christians and indeed all Christians and people of goodwill to share in the observances.
In addition, every Phanar’s church in the United States shall chant the Akathist Hymn in the evening of this day, just as they “chant it on the Fifth Friday of the Great and Holy Fast”.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the head of the Greek Archdiocese of America, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, discussed with the U.S. candidate for presidency from the Democratic Party Joe Biden the issue of changing the status of the Church of Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque.
Read also
Court hearings in case on Kyiv Metropolis liquidation postponed
The court hearing in the Kyiv Metropolis case has been postponed indefinitely due to the consideration of an appeal in the Supreme Court.
Activist outside courthouse: Ukrainians' dream is to behead UOC hierarchs
The organizer of provocations against believers and clergy recorded a video about what he says is every Ukrainian's dream.
Conference dedicated to Orthodox family held in Odesa Eparchy
In Odesa, conference participants discussed the spiritual and moral foundations of the family and developed a program for a practical course and family projects.
OCU explains why folklore events should be held in church, not in culture house
OCU representatives in Cherkasy explained why they held a concert and a talk about wedding traditions in the seized cathedral.
UOC hierarch celebrates Liturgy at relics of St. Nicholas in Bari
Archbishop Ambrose of Zghurivka, UOC clergy serving in Italy, and KDAiS students prayed at the myrrh-streaming relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari.
Police pledge increased security at UOC Kyiv Metropolia court hearing
UOC lawyers secured additional police presence following repeated provocations and direct pressure on the legal team outside the courthouse.