GOC Holy Synod opposes the conversion of Chora Monastery into a mosque

Chora Monastery in Istanbul. Photo: Zen

The Standing Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church expressed its discontent with the conversion of the Church of the Saviour in Chora into a mosque, according to Orhodoxtimes.com.

In a statement by the Synod, it is said that the Turkish government has turned a total of four Christian churches, recognized as world cultural heritage sites, into symbols of the imposition of power and points of division.

In view of the above, members of the Greek Synod "expressed its strong dissatisfaction and concern over the decision of the Government of Turkey to convert the Monastery of Chora into a Muslim mosque, following the example of Hagia Sophia of Nice, Hagia Sophia of Trebizond, and Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, thus transforming this historic Christian monument from a World Heritage Site into a symbol of the imposition of power and a point of division and separation."

The decision to convert the Orthodox shrine into a mosque was made several years ago, but its final opening for believers in such a status only took place in 2024.

As reported by the UOJ, on May 6, 2024, the first Islamic prayer took place in the ancient Byzantine Orthodox Monastery of Chora in Istanbul.

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