Mass media: Turkish authorities block access to Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Photo: turistim.ru
Turkish authorities closed access to Hagia Sophia until July 24: on this day the first prayer is scheduled in Hagia Sophia, Vesti reports.
Access to the temple was closed for tourists; the entrance is guarded by the reinforced police squad.
The publication reports that tourists are not allowed inside the shrine, groups of Muslims are staying at the temple alongside the police.
“I am very upset, this is a wrong step. For me it is the same as if Notre Dame were closed to tourists and turned into a mosque,” says one of the Frenchmen who came specially to see Byzantine mosaics and murals.
As reported by the UOJ, on July 10, 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on changing the status of Hagia Sophia and said that on July 24, the shrine would open as a mosque for Islamic worship.
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.