GOC Holy Synod opposes the conversion of Chora Monastery into a mosque
Chora Monastery in Istanbul. Photo: Zen
The Standing Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church expressed its discontent with the conversion of the Church of the Saviour in Chora into a mosque, according to Orhodoxtimes.com.
In a statement by the Synod, it is said that the Turkish government has turned a total of four Christian churches, recognized as world cultural heritage sites, into symbols of the imposition of power and points of division.
In view of the above, members of the Greek Synod "expressed its strong dissatisfaction and concern over the decision of the Government of Turkey to convert the Monastery of Chora into a Muslim mosque, following the example of Hagia Sophia of Nice, Hagia Sophia of Trebizond, and Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, thus transforming this historic Christian monument from a World Heritage Site into a symbol of the imposition of power and a point of division and separation."
The decision to convert the Orthodox shrine into a mosque was made several years ago, but its final opening for believers in such a status only took place in 2024.
As reported by the UOJ, on May 6, 2024, the first Islamic prayer took place in the ancient Byzantine Orthodox Monastery of Chora in Istanbul.
Read also
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.
Concert held at seized Cherkasy cathedral
The OCU thanked the musical ensemble for choosing the Cherkasy cathedral as the venue for a Baroque music concert.
OCU activist admits breaking into UOC church in Sloviansk
Oleksandr Onyshchenko said that the OCU held its first "service" at the Seraphim Church, which had previously been broken into by forcing the locks and doors.