The only question is if it can be kept from going nuclear.
Posted on 11/27/2015 6:54:47 AM PST by NRx
The State Duma deputies supported the idea of ​​return of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul to the Orthodox Church. This was stated by Chairman of Committee on Property, coordinator of inter-factional parliamentary group on the protection of Christian values ​​Sergei Gavrilov, TSN reports.
Today, when the Russian-Turkish relations are undergoing “endurance trial,â€the mutual friendly initiatives and proposals are of special importance, Gavrilov says.
“The Russian side deems it possible to recur to the ancient shrine of the Christian world, located in Turkey, Istanbul - St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) of Constantinople –an ancient Byzantine cathedral, which is associated with the history of the Universal Christian Church. We expect a friendly step from the Turkish side - returning St Sophia Cathedral of Constantinople to the Christian Church,†the deputy said.
He added that Russia is ready to participate financially, and involve the best Russian restorers and scientistsin the restoration of the universal Christian monument.
“This step would help Turkey and Islam demonstrate that good will is above politics. Saint Sophia should be returned to Christians,†the parliamentarian said.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was converted into a mosque. In 1935, Hagia Sophia acquired the status of museum. St Sophia Cathedral was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List among theother monuments of Istanbul’s historic center in 1985.
The only question is if it can be kept from going nuclear.
The Russian orthodox church, championing Christianity
Doing the job the papacy has failed to do
The Russian Grand Muffti called for the Russian annexation of Mecca and Jerusalem yesterday ..,
“The Russian orthodox church, championing Christianity. Doing the job the papacy has failed to do”
Except this isn’t the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s State Duma deputies (i.e. elected Russian officials). The papacy helped the EC get the use of its forcibly closed seminary back. That’s far more than the Russians (Orthodox Church clergy or Duma deputies) have accomplished.
I always thought Hagia Sophia was a Catholic Church.
Putin, you the man!
Good idea. They should also rename the city to Constantinople.
And next week Russia could deal with the illegal Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. I hear Cyprus is popular with Russians anyway.
The Hagia Sophia was in Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman empire. So it was Orthodox, not Roman Catholic.
Turkey should have been kicked out of NATO for that alone.
Erdogan scr#^Ed the pooch and Putin has him by the short hairs. I presume that JCS has strongly “advised” Obama against any steps towards war with Russia over Turkey’s colossal f-up, and I presume that Putin knows that. The NATO Secretary General has already separately made that view pretty clear.
no it has always been orthodox.
Priests are not even allowed to dress like priests in Hagia Sophia.
This sounds like Don Corleone telling some clown to grovel, make amends for his perfidy or think about getting his affairs in order.
Turkey is a massive network of oil pipelines. Isis needs those pipelines to pump oil to market. Obama needs those lines to keep pumping. $$$$
Which forcibly closed seminary has been reopened? I must have missed it.
The Hagia Sophia was built in 537 and the Latin and Orthodox split did not take place until 1053, so until then it was Catholic.
I agree. Putin plays chess excellently.
Oh, it still isn’t open! Back in 2012 Prime Minister ErdoÄŸan told President Obama that Halki Seminary would be reopened as part of Turkey’s efforts to protect religious minorities. I thought it had reopened.
Well, Russia won’t accomplish anything on this score either way. That’s Russia’s fate really.
Lots of chess, and Russia is playing White.
“The Hagia Sophia was in Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman empire. So it was Orthodox, not Roman Catholic.”
Learn to read. Slyfox said “Catholic” not “Roman”. If you’re going to argue with Slyfox, then don’t put words in Slyfox’s mouth.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.