Save Hagia Sophia from becoming a mosque!

I raise my voice with the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco in firm protest to the recent decision of the Turkish government to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.  

The recent actions of the Republic of Turkey to convert the historic Hagia Sophia into a mosque has drawn worldwide attention. This architectural marvel will become an Islamic house of prayer on July 24, 2020. The Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has declared this day to be a day of mourning. As the encyclical said, our “hearts are broken.”

Hagia Sophia was the pre-eminent church in all Christendom from its opening in the sixth century. Besides its significance for Christians, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984, thus declaring that Hagia Sophia belongs to the world. The decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque places that openness in jeopardy.

Keep Hagia Sophia as a Museum and honor its rightful place in history!