American Archdiocese declares July 24 a ‘day of mourning’ over Hagia Sophia

·

July 24 will become a day of morning, according to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, as the first day of Muslin prayers will commence at the holy UNESCO site of Hagia Sophia.

“Knowing that on Friday, July 24th, there will be an ‘inauguration’ of this program of cultural and spiritual misappropriation and a violation of all standards of religious harmony and mutual respect, we call upon all the beloved faithful of our Holy Archdiocese to observe this day as a day of mourning and of manifest grief,” the Holy Synod of the Church of America said in announcement on Thursday.

Read More: Turkey will cover Hagia Sophia mosaics during prayers, says ruling party spokesman

“We ask that every Church toll its bells in lamentation on this day. We call for every flag of every kind that is raised on the Church property be lowered to half-mast on this day.

“And we enjoin every Church in our Holy Archdiocese to chant the Akathist Hymn in the evening of this day, just as we chant it on the Fifth Friday of the Great and Holy Fast.”

Read More: Australia’s Greek organisations denounce conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque

The statement added that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will not “relent in our pursuit of justice and righteousness,” and will continue to speak out “in season and out of season.”

Mr Erdogan signed a decree on July 11 transferring the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, which had bean a museum for nearly 90 years, to the Diyanet, the country’s highest religious authority. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

Australian Championship, Movember launch $500k fundraising initiative for men’s health

The Australian Championship and Movember have launched a new fundraising initiative to change the face of men’s health.

Greece launches €2.5 billion plan to secure water supply amid drought threat

Greece has unveiled a €2.5 billion national plan to confront growing water scarcity and safeguard supplies for the coming decades.

Aegean Airlines to launch first direct European flights to Baghdad

Aegean Airlines will launch the first direct flights from Europe to Baghdad on 16 December, marking a new chapter in Greece–Iraq relations.

You May Also Like

Greek-Australian Society signs historic memorandum with Athens University

The Greek-Australian Society has signed a historic agreement with Athens University following discussions in 2023 and early 2024.

Community rallies together to support the Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW

The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW held a fundraiser at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, Sydney on Sunday, July 15.

Melbourne’s Creative Drama and Arts Theatre returns with innovative production

On Saturday February 26 the Melbourne Community Creative Drama and Arts Theatre is presenting the theatrical performance "Mόνοι”.