The transformation of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul into a mosque is a "slap in the face of world Christianity", TASS said on Saturday, Chairman of the Synodal Department for external Church relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev).
"Can you assess the internal political situation in Turkey and the factors that prompted the Turkish leadership to take such a decision. But the spiritual and cultural heritage of the world should not become hostage to the current political situation. It is a pity that the political situation takes precedence over respect for other religious traditions. The transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque – a slap in the face that the Turkish leadership has caused the Orthodox Church to the world Christianity", – said the Agency interlocutor.
Earlier, the Turkish Council of State overturned the decision of the Turkish government on the award of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul the status of a Museum. This was announced on Friday by CNN Turk. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree allowing Muslims to pray in Hagia Sophia, which now has the status of a mosque.
Metropolitan Hilarion noted that the decision of the state leadership of Turkey can not disappoint. "Hagia Sophia was built as a temple dedicated to Jesus Christ, we Orthodox Christians are unable to perceive it differently. From 1934 until the present day Hagia Sophia was the status of the Museum, which allowed Christians and Muslims and members of other religions freely visit For Orthodox Christians of Holy Sophia, which is the same thing for Catholics to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This temple is a symbol and one of the greatest Christian relics", – said the head of the Department, stressing that the only way to perceive it, Christians can not and will not.
