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
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.
UOC parish in Cologne donates ultrasound machine to Kharkiv region hospital
In Cologne, UOC believers raised funds for an ultrasound machine for the Kehychivka district hospital in the Kharkiv region.
Shevchuk tells Pope Leo of Ukraine's preparations for "another harsh winter"
The head of the UGCC expressed "special gratitude" to the Pope for his phone calls with Putin and Zelensky.
Berlin hierarch comments on Phanar document published by UOJ-USA
Metropolitan Mark called the information about the 2018 "Unification Council" alarming if confirmed, and expressed hope that Patriarch Bartholomew will reconsider his position.
UOC marks Synaxis of All Saints of Volyn Land at Lutsk cathedral
Metropolitan Serhiy of Ternopil and Kremenets led the Liturgy on the feast day of the Lutsk cathedral of All Saints of the Volyn Land.
SBU detains OCU cleric who organized draft evader's escape for money
In Transcarpathia, law enforcement officers detained a clergyman of the OCU who arranged for a draft evader to be smuggled into Slovakia for $15,000.