Australia’s Greek Orthodox and Catholic Church leaders express joint disappointment on Hagia Sophia status

·

The leaders of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Australia and the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ACBC) have released a joint statement expressing their disappointment at the change in the status of Hagia Sophia.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and Mark Coleridge, president of ACBC, both shared their concerns on the adverse effects that this development may have on the Christian community.

“Our fear is that this could aggravate tension between Christians and Muslims at a time when we need to pursue the path of dialogue and seek common ground,” the statement said.

Read More: St Spyridon Parish to conduct mourning service for Hagia Sophia conversion on Friday night

Read More: Hagia Sophia: From World Heritage monument to the mosque of sultans

“The path of nationalist ideology and the political decisions it prompts can lead only to division, which is never the fruit of the holy wisdom all religions seek.”

The Christian leaders share their hope that the decision will be reversed, so that Hagia Sophia can again be “common ground for all people and an emblem of peace.”

The Hagia Sophia World Heritage monument will be officially converted into a mosque Friday night at 7pm AEST. A mourning service is being held at St Spyridon Parish in Sydney at the same time, with permission by His Eminence.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Backpacks of Hope: A Greek community effort to aid homeless children in Victoria

Oakleigh Grammar's Year 5 and 6 students organised a heartfelt fundraiser to support homeless children in Victoria.

Sky’s the limit for Greek young gun Mitch Georgiades

Mitch Georgiades thought Port Adelaide would be the last AFL club he would be drafted to and was blindsided when they read out his name on draft night.

Stephen Papagelou jailed over crash that killed Melbourne grandfather

Stephen Papagelou, who hit and killed a grandfather in Melbourne three years ago, has been jailed for four years.