Phanar head: Hagia Sophia's conversion into a mosque affects our identity

Ecumenical Patriarch speaking at the Theological School of Halki. Photo: romfea.gr

On September 6, 2020, the Phanar head, Patriarch Bartholomew, speaking at the Ceremonial Hall of the Theological School of Halki, said that the conversion of the Hagia Sophia Church and the Chora Monastery into a mosque “affects our identity”, reports “Romfea”.

Referring to the decision of the Turkish government to change the status of Hagia Sophia and the Chora Monastery from museums in mosques, Patriarch Bartholomew: “As if there are not enough mosques in the city (Istanbul - Ed.), as if there is a need for more places of worship of the believers of the prevailing religion (Islam – Ed.) here.”

According to him, “the rulers hurried to make these decisions and actions, which offend us, affect our identity, our history, our culture. And we endure and pray,” resumed Patriarch Bartholomew.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the head of the Phanar was "offended" by the conversion of Hagia Sophia and the Chora Monastery into a mosque.

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