U.S. State Dept. calls on Turkey to maintain museum status of Hagia Sophia
Sam Brownback Photo: wikiwand.com
On June 25, 2020, U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, called on the Turkish government to maintain the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul as a museum. The American politician wrote about this on his Twitter.
According to him, “The Hagia Sophia holds enormous spiritual & cultural significance to billions of believers of different faiths around the world”.
In this regard, Brownback on behalf of the US government called on Turkey “to maintain it as a UNESCO World Heritage site & to maintain accessibility to all in its current status as a museum”.
Earlier media reported that Hagia Sophia is already being prepared for conversion into a mosque, later one of the leaders of the Turkish political party “Saadet Partisi” Abdullah Sevim suggested painting the face of Seraphim on the dome of this cathedral as soon as possible.
On June 15, 2020, the Turkish Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gul announced the need to open Hagia Sophia for Muslim prayer.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.