PanARMENIAN.Net

Greeks Going to Return Previous Status to St. Sophia Church in
Istanbul

02.06.2006 17:17 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ `Free Agia Sophia Council in America’ organizations
has launched an international campaign to make St. Sophia an Orthodox
Church again, American politician of Greek origin Chris Spiru stated a
press conference in Manhattan. He presented the plan of the
organization and emphasized that the matter concerns an international
movement initiated in the U.S. which purposes the objective to
retransform the Great Church of Saint Sophia in Constantinople into a
Cathedral for all Orthodox believers.

He said the Turkish government calls and uses the Church as a museum,
organizes trade exhibitions, concerts and fashion shows in it.
Sacrilege and desecration is taking place. We will use all the
juridical and religious methods to achieve our goal,’ Spiru
underscored. In his words, simultaneously a collection of signatures
will be organized. `Muslims grew indignant over the caricatures of
Prophet Mohammed. We assert our right to pray in the church, which is
a symbol for all Orthodox believers. I think, the moment when Turkey
is striving to join the European Union is quite appropriate for it,’
Mr. Spiru said, reported Greek.ru.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress