RF Foreign Ministry urges Turkey to preserve heritage of Chora Church
The Church of the Holy Saviour inside. Photo: tourister.ru
The Turkish authorities must preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Church of Christ the Savior from the ensemble of the Chora Monastery, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. The country's leadership decided to convert this temple into a mosque after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
“We hope that the Kariye Mosque will be operated in full accordance with its UNESCO World Heritage Site status and that no activity involving this unique landmark will prevent free access by the public,” says the statement.
Zakharova noted that the mosaics, frescos and other interior fragments have been preserved almost completely in every part of the building, which makes it an outstanding example of world culture and Christian civilisation. Preserving all this intact, she said, is specifically important.
As reported, the Turkish government intends to turn into a mosque the Church of Christ the Savior in Istanbul, which has been functioning as a museum for over 60 years. The head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk, believes that in this way the Turkish leadership demonstratively disregards the religious feelings of Christians around the world.
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.