Russian church leader says calls to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque threaten Christianity

Patriarch Kirill, the leader of Russia’s Orthodox Church, said on Monday that calls to convert Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia into a mosque posed a threat to Christianity.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has proposed restoring the mosque status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient building at the heart of both the Christian Byzantine and Muslim Ottoman empires and now one of Turkey’s most visited monuments.

The proposal has been criticized by several religious and political leaders, including the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch, spirtual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, as well as Greece, France and the United States.

“A threat against Hagia Sophia is a threat to all of Christian civilization, meaning (a threat to) our spirituality and history,” Patriarch Kirill said in a statement.

“What could happen to Hagia Sophia will cause deep pain among the Russian people.”

The Kremlin said on Monday it hoped Turkish authorities would take into account Hagia Sophia’s status as a World Heritage Site.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

> Politics

Russian church leader says calls to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque threaten Christianity

"What could happen to Hagia Sophia will cause deep pain among the Russian people"

Ask me anything

> Latest Stories

This is the draft US–Iran agreement: End of military operations, cessation of the “media war,” and opening of the Strait of Hormuz

Decision on establishing a parliamentary inquiry into wiretapping requires 151 MPs – Tension involving Voridis, Androulakis, Famelos

What will the weather be like this weekend: Tsatrafyllias’ forecast on protothema

The Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office is examining an appeal against the release of 17N member Giotopoulos

Race for an agreement with Iran: Pakistan takes a key role, cautious optimism from the US

Debut for Karystianou’s party with Avgerinos and Moutsatsou – What happened at the “Olympion,” plans for a gathering in an Athens neighborhood

Maria K. a politician, the new party and the abrupt landing, Marios at the Maximos Mansion, tourism is going strong in Athens, the record of PPC

Athens in Final Four mode with Olympiacos chasing its 4th European title: Transport plans, Fan Zone and security measures

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu