Greek Ministry of Culture: Turkey can be culturally isolated due to Sophia
Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
The Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated that with his decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque, Erdogan "isolates Turkey culturally", reports "Orthodox Times”.
The decision of the Turkish Council of State to change the status of Hagia Sophia is “the result of the political will of Turkish President Erdogan” and also “is a blatant provocation against the whole civilised world that recognises the unique value and the universality of the monument,” the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, said in a statement.
She added, “The nationalism shown by President Erdogan is not appropriate for the situation and, therefore, he leads his country six centuries back.” She also stressed, “Hagia Sophia does not lose its glamour and its universal nature, only because the Turkish Council of State gave in, President Erdogan has decided to isolate Turkey culturally.”
The Greek official also stressed that in her opinion, the decision of the Turkish Council of State fully confirmed that there was “no judicial independence in Turkey”.
As reported earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signed a decree changing the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum to 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.