Posted on 01/04/2010 9:01:41 AM PST by marshmallow
From Rorate with a biretta tip
Another barefaced insult from the Turks
AFP - Turkey will ask for the return of the bones of Saint Nicholas, who Father Christmas is modelled on, from their display in Italy, local media reported on Friday. (Of course, the bones of St. Nicholas are not "on display" in Bari; these were taken to Bari in order to be saved from desecration! CAP)
Saint Nicholas, from the modern-day town of Demre on southern Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is, according to tradition, the ancestor of Father Christmas, but his remains were stolen by Italian pirates in the 11th century.
"These bones should be exposed here and not in a town of pirates" in Bari, said Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunay, quoted in the newspaper Milliyet.
"If we build a museum in this town (Demre), naturally the first thing we will ask for are the remains of Father Christmas".
The minister gave no schedule for the museum construction, which would exhibit relics of ancient civilisations, but said that after a study by experts, Turkey would request that Italy return the remains of Saint Nicholas. [Riiiight…. THAT’s gonna happen!]
Many tourists, especially from Russia, visit the Saint Nicholas church in today’s Demre, a fifth-century Byzantine basilica rebuilt in the 11th century.
Nicholas was a bishop in ancient Myra (Demre) in the fourth century, during the Byzantine period.
He was buried in Myra, but pirates stole his remains in the 11th century and brought them to Bari in southern Italy, placing them in its own Saint Nicholas basilica.
Saint Nicholas is celebrated for his charity, and his generosity towards others is at the origin of the character of Father Christmas, who took Nicholas’s place in Christianity as the giver of presents to children.
From France 24.
BBC helpfully adds that:
Even without the bones, the town of Demre has not been shy about cashing in on its most famous native son – today visitors to the Byzantine church there are greeted by a large, plastic Santa statue, complete with beard and red snow-suit.
(The Byzantine church is currently in ruins, a casualty of Turkey’s long-running campaign against Christianity.)
• • • • • •
Why is it an insult? It seems the Orthodox church at least has the right to request them. It may be turned down, but there is a case to be made there.
come and get ‘em.
the sad thing is the west would probably roll over and surrender if there was ever another Lepanto.
The Orthodox Church is not requesting them. The original request came from a Turkish archaeologist and was made through the Turkish government.
Turkey has a Christian population but I doubt they are behind this.
The bones of SANTA CLAUS????!!!!!
Is it the Orthodox church or is it the Turkish government [the cult of islam]? Turkey is something like 95% muzzie so why should they be interested in Christian relics? I don't know, just asking.
Use this as leverage. State that the bones will only be returned when four conditions are met.
First, the Orthodox Church is given the authority and funds to rebuild the church and provide for their own security including armed guards.
Second, the Turkish government recognizes the location as a historical religious site in law and by treaty with Italy.
Third, the Orthodox Church is allowed to freely practice their faith without interference at the location and is so recognized by Turkish law.
And fourth, the Orthodox Church believes conditions one through three have been met and formally request transfer of the relics.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. And you can visit his remains in Italy.
ping
It’s the Turkish government. If they want to do something to ‘honor’ St. Nicholas of Myra, they could return the ancient ruined church sites to the Orthodox Church. (Including the greatest and most ancient Church of Hagia Sophia, now a museum.) See also #8.
Good points all. This will show how serious they are. Historically the cult hasn’t been too respectful of any other religion’s artifacts, traditions and beliefs, although they’re the first ones to scream discrimination.
Sure!
First, give back Constantinople and the Hagia Sofia!
And that the Agia Sophia is returned to the Orthodox Church...
Ohhh, that is a good one. Yes, add that as well. I travel back and forth to Istanbul on a regular basis for business.
Islam is also very much against images of people or animals, so this smells just a bit (or more than just a bit).
Fifth condition: When Hagia Sophia is a Christian church again, and St. Nicholas’ relics can be enshrined there.
As soon as Turkey becomes a FREE non-secular-muzlim Nation, THEN, maybe they’ll get the bones back.
All they will do is destroy them to the hurt of every Christian, Orthodox and Catholic.
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.