Canberra Greek Community slams Turkey’s Hagia Sophia decision as “unacceptable”

·

In a statement this afternoon, the President of the Greek Community of Canberra, John Loukadellis, condemned Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

FULL STATEMENT:

29th May 1453 & 11th July 2020 – both equally sad days for Orthodox Christians around the world and a disappointing day for the future of our Agia Sophia.

The decision by a Turkish court this morning is yet another backwards step in recognising the Christian Orthodox values of our historic place of worship. At best, allowing Agia Sophia to remain a museum for both faiths as a symbol of solidarity is somewhat acceptable, however, Erdogan’s and the Turkish Government’s decision today is totally unacceptable and a complete injustice.

Long live Agia Sophia and its Christian Orthodox Faithful. Long live Constantinople.

UPDATE:

On Sunday night, the Community has sent a letter not only to the Prime Minister of Australia, providing full details of their stance on Hagia Sophia, but also to UNESCO via their website.

The letter states in part:

“This decision by Turkey is unacceptable, unfair and one that has shown total disregard for history. As Orthodox Christians, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral is more than just a sacred place of worship. It is a cultural centre full of history, a UNESCO world heritage listed site and as His Eminence, Archbishop Makarios of Australia stated, Hagia Sophia belongs to the whole world.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet TIFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

Out from the White Tower’s shadow: A subversive guide to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does. Its people carry the kind of warmth that isn’t put on for tourists.

You May Also Like

Greece: Thousands flee homes as wildfires continue to rage

Thousands of people fled wildfires burning out of control in Greece on Friday, including a blaze north of Athens that left one person dead.

Meet the Australian who travelled to the Euros without taking a plane

Connor Henderson never got on a plane, travelling by bicycle, train, boat and by tram, for half a year, to achieve his goal.

Turkish officials insist on two-state solution in Cyprus

A two-state solution for Cyprus was discussed during a press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar in the occupied Nicosia.