Patriarch Daniel speaks against conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque
Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul. Photo: basilica.ro
On July 8, 2020, the Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, sent a letter to Patriarch Bartholomew, in which he supports the preservation of the current status of Hagia Sophia as a museum, the website of the Romanian Orthodox Church reports.
The letter says that “The initiative of the Romanian Patriarchate takes into account inestimable value of this basilica, unanimously recognized as a symbol of Christian faith and civilization and of universal art, which determined its inclusion in the universal cultural heritage in 1985, the Romanian Patriarch expresses his solidarity with all those who defends this symbol of the universal Orthodox Church."
The document also says that "members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the entire Romanian people as believers in Romania express concrete support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in defence of the current status of Hagia Sophia Cathedral."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem hopes that Turkey will keep the current status of Hagia Sophia.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.