Greek hierarch calls to build new Hagia Sophia in place of the present one
Metropolitan Nikolaos (Hatzinikolaou) of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki. Photo: romfea.gr
On July 24, 2020, the hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Nikolaos (Hatzinikolaou) of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, proposed to build a new temple of the Wisdom of God instead of Hagia Sophia in Turkey.
“Perhaps now is the right time, in response to the disrespectful provocation and insult of Turkey – the conversion of the historic Christian temple of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, that the entire Greek nation should begin the construction of a new majestic temple of the Wisdom of God at the initiative of the Holy Synod and with the assistance of the Greek state,” the information outlet Romfea cited Metropolitan Nikolaos.
The hierarch noted that in this way the Greeks would be able to fulfill an old vow of their heroic ancestors.
"To build a temple at the entrance to our country from the Athens airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’, on the hill in Paeania, that is, in the area that was designated twenty years ago, but it was not possible to build an Islamic mosque there," Metropolitan Nikolaos suggested.
Today, on July 24, the first Muslim prayer in 86 years began in Hagia Sophia.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.