Mass media: First Islamic prayer at Hagia Sophia may be heard on July 15
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is to be converted into a mosque. Photo: inosmi.ru
On July 15, 2020, an Islamic prayer can be heard for the first time in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, reported the Turkish online publication Haberler.com.
According to the publication, the Justice and Development Party, led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the country's ruling party, conducted a survey among members of the country's parliament on their attitude towards such a transformation.
According to the survey, the majority of members of the Turkish Parliament – 40% of the members of the Republican People’s Party, 90% of the members of the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party, as well as 70% of the members of the Good Party – advocated that Hagia Sophia become a mosque.
Earlier, Erdogan ordered to change the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and later a number of media reported that Hagia Sophia was already being prepared to become a mosque.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.