RF State Duma appeals to Turkish Parliament regarding Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Photo: duma.gov.ru
On July 7, 2020, the State Duma of the Russian Federation appealed to the Turkish Parliament not to change the status of Hagia Sophia from museum to mosque, according to the official website of the State Duma.
The parliamentarians request to uphold the decision of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, thanks to whom Hagia Sophia, which received the status of a museum in 1935, for many years has become a symbol of peace and interfaith harmony.
“An outstanding monument of Byzantine architecture, a world masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage List, this cathedral-museum is one of the most visited sights of Istanbul city by Russian tourists,” the appeal said.
According to the document, it is necessary to take all possible steps in order to prevent a global damage that could be caused by a hasty change in the status of the world famous museum.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the authorities of the Russian Federation called to look to the world significance of Hagia Sophia when deciding on its status.
Read also
Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos
The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.