RF Ambassador: Turkey to open frescoes of Hagia Sophia for tourists
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Photo: mediaalliance.info
Russian Ambassador to Ankara Aleksey Yerkhov said that the unique Byzantine frescoes of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, turned into a mosque, will soon be opened for tourists.
“We are assured that scheduled renovation works are currently underway in the Hagia Sophia, after which tourists will again be able to visit the galleries and see the unique Byzantine mosaics located there,” reports RIA Novosti. "We sincerely hope that all these promises will be kept."
According to A. Yerkhov, the embassy is receiving many questions from Russians about whether the canvases covering the walls of the temple will be raised so that images of the apse and the narthex can be seen. Many people want to get access to the galleries on the second floor.
Therefore, the Russian Embassy bring these issues before the Turkish authorities, and those, according to A. Yerkhov, demonstrate their readiness to consider all the requirements of UNESCO regarding the access of tourists to the church.
As reported, Erdogan called the change in the status of Hagia Sophia a step towards great Turkey.
Read also
Archbishop of Albania supports country's accession to European Union
The Primate of the Albanian Church believes that Albania's accession to the European Union will benefit not only the country and its citizens but also Europe itself.
Cyprus Church Synod permits weddings during Nativity Fast
The Sacrament of Marriage is permitted to be performed from the beginning of the Nativity Fast until December 12.
Cherkasy authorities set up surveillance over Orthodox educational institution
The village of Cherniavka became the site of a special operation by law enforcement against an Orthodox gymnasium, where a hidden surveillance camera was installed on a pole.
Metropolitan Tychikos case to be again considered by Cyprus Church Synod
Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus stated that the appeal filed by Metropolitan Tychikos to the Supreme Court could fundamentally change the assessment of the situation.
His Beatitude: The Lord gives people strength to overcome sin
The Primate emphasized that in the New Testament, Christians receive the gracious power of the Holy Spirit to fight against sin.
Met. Varsonofiy сelebrates Liturgy at persecuted UOC parish in Stryzhavka
A UOC hierarch officiated the Nativity service and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.