Erdogan orders Sophia to be open 24/7 for worship
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with his wife at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Photo: newsit.gr
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ordered that from July 24, 2020, when the first Friday prayer was held in Hagia Sophia in 86 years, the cathedral, turned into a mosque, will be constantly open for Muslim worship. Governor of Istanbul province Ali Yerlikaya announced this on Friday on his Twitter page.
“Mr. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ordered that from today Aya-Sophia be open for worship 24 hours a day. The Aya-Sophia Mosque will be kept open. We express our gratitude to our President,” the governor wrote.
Earlier, Erdoğan said that 350 thousand attended the first Muslim prayer at Hagia Sophia.
Read also
UOC bishops initiate correspondence discussion around Filaret's personality
Metropolitan Luke accused Bishop Sylvester of "legitimizing the schism," and the latter responded by reminding him of the decisions of the Council in Feofania.
In Volyn, "competent bodies" to deal with UOC Sunday schools, media
A deputy of the Volyn Regional Council initiated a request for inspections of all institutions engaged in Orthodox education of children in the region.
UEFA fines French club for banner with RCC saint
The Union of European Football Associations has imposed another fine for the use of Christian symbols by fans.
Evangelist Graham explains to Trump how he can definitely get to Heaven
The preacher called on the president to stop relying on his achievements and pointed out that good deeds do not save from hell without faith and repentance.
Planning for the Holy Fire Ceremony and Holy Week Services revealed
Authorities have imposed restrictions on the participation of clergy and believers in Holy Week services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Patriarch Daniel sends solidarity message to Primate of Antioch
The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church expressed support for John X in connection with the ongoing violence in Syria and Lebanon.