Greek – Americans will conduct Divine Liturgy at Agia Sophia on September 17, 2010
By Kleo Mavridis
Members of the “International Congregation of Agia Sophia” will make a pilgrimage to Agia Sofia in Istanbul in order to conduct divine liturgy on September 17, the day the Orthodox Church celebrates the holy feast day of Sophia, Faith, Hope and Love.
During a press conference in Thessaloniki, the President of the International Congregation, Chris Spirou, said that the Prime Minister of Turkey, Tayyip Erdoğan, has already been informed in writing.
“The purpose of our Congregation’s visit is to conduct Holy Liturgy Services in the the Great Church of Christianity, the Symbol of the Orthodox Christian Faith”, was written in the letter. After he was asked, whether the Greek Department of Foreign Affairs has been notified about this, Mr. Spirou said that it isn’t a political issue and that “no government has the right to interfere with religion and to appoint religious leaders”.
The “International Congregation of Agia Sophia” was founded in 2005 and is a USA-based non-profit organization. Its purpose is to restore the Agia Sophia as a place of worship.
The organisation’s thousands of members worldwide include followers of other religions and denominations.
Christ is Risen!
It pains me to hear of events of this nature. Understandably, there is a desire to once again experience the Great Church as a place of worship, but it should be the place of the local Orthodox community. This whole project wreaks of a “statement” and not of a sacred act of worship. It seems to me that there are many other, more irenic ways to state the make this cause known and hopefully begin a real dialogue. The Liturgy is not a protest symbol!
If the Turkish authorities grant permission, then fine. If not, then a gathering outside of the building with the purpose of presenting the issue is a much better solution. You know for sure that any other action will create a counter-action by other religious groups.
Hieromonk Gregory
Isn’t it Museum not the church or even the mosque..
What a silly activity..
I have great hopes for this September 17, 2010 DIVINE LITURGY in THE GREAT CHURCH OF CHRIST ~ HAGIA SOPHIA: The Turkish government should support and encourage this “event”. Turkey is making a grand effort to join the 21st century, and this will afford them the opportunity to confirm their commitment to religious freedom, democracy and the equality, the hmanity of all men.
I would say to Hieromonk Gregory that this is an inspiration, secondarily, from us/we in the Royal Priesthood.
Mr. Ben Shalom does not appear to be knowledgable or a Christian, so his comment really has no import.
G. Arthur George
Chicago
515965 594323The Case For HIIT Cardio – Why You ought to Concider it By the way you may want to take a look at this cool website I found 948577
373880 356282I just couldnt depart your web site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the normal information an individual offer for your visitors? Is gonna be back frequently as a way to inspect new posts 297386
379435 849665I likewise believe thus, perfectly pent post! . 358529