Erdogan says Hagia Sophia returned to its original identity
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Photo: romfea.gr
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the status of a mosque expresses the original identity of Hagia Sophia, reports the Greek resource "Romfea".
According to Erdogan, the decision to turn the Hagia Sophia into a mosque "heralds a new era in world politics."
“After 86 years of longing, we experienced the happiness of returning Hagia Sophia to its original identity,,” the Turkish leader said. He also expressed his joy at the conversion of the Chora Monastery into a mosque.
Erdogan believes that the decisions on Hagia Sophia and the Chora Monastery are balanced by the opening of the Soumela Monastery.
“After Hagia Sophia, the opening of the Soumela Monastery, after the restoration works were completed, showed to everyone, friends and enemies, that our country has no complex regarding religious freedom,” the Turkish President said.
As reported, the head of the Greek Church said that the Panagia Soumela Monastery became the object of political games of the Turkish President.
Read also
Political expert: Declaring January 7 as Programmer’s Day resembles mockery
Kostiantyn Bondarenko commented on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to designate a new professional holiday on the day when Christmas is celebrated.
Cherkasy court accuses Metropolitan Theodosiy of “improper sermon”
At another court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Theodosiy, an expert attempted to argue that there had been no violent seizure of the monastery in Cherkasy and that the alleged crime was committed by the Cherkasy hierarch through an “improper” sermon.
Catherine Whiteford discusses defense of UOC with Congressman Riley Moore
An American political figure spoke about a meeting that addressed the protection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and freedom of religion.
7-meter didukh to replace Christmas tree installed on Maidan
According to KSCA representatives, "the didukh, unlike the borrowed Christmas tree, is a traditional pre-Christian symbol of ancient Ukrainians".
Patriarch of Bulgaria: OCU will not take part in services at Phanar
The Bulgarian Patriarch emphasized that the OCU is not mentioned in the diptychs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and will not participate in joint services at the Phanar.
SBU shows what to do with those who celebrate Christmas on January 7
The video of the SBU features its employees breaking down the apartment doors with the comment: "Who comes 'caroling' to those who celebrate Christmas on January 7."