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
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniiel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.
Patriarch Bartholomew congratulates Patriarch Shio on his election
In his message of congratulations, Patriarch Bartholomew called for joint witness before the world within the framework of “pan-Orthodox unity.”
Georgian priest in Germany: Patriarch Shio will preserve Ilia II’s legacy
Priest Elias Schlepegrell, who was present at the election in Tbilisi, said there is a clear disposition toward preserving Ilia II’s line and the unity of the Georgian Church.