The message of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the Anniversary of the Restoration of the Greek Republic was against the backdrop of the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque.
“What is happening today in Constantinople is not a manifestation of power but a proof of weakness. They certainly do not have the power to overshadow the radiance of a world heritage site. But they tarnish universal values. That is why they require universal condemnation.
Especially for us Greek Orthodox Christians, Hagia Sophia is today more than ever in our souls. That is where our heart beats. Turning sadness into strength, composure and unity. Because Hagia Sophia exists precisely to unite us all, inviting us to look up only. And so it will remain forever,” the prime minister characteristically stated in his message.
He also referred to the issue of Hagia Sophia on his personal Twitter account where he stated that “What is happening today in Constantinople is not a manifestation of power but a proof of weakness. They certainly do not have the power to overshadow the radiance of a world heritage site. But they tarnish universal values. That is why they require universal condemnation.”
Όσα συμβαίνουν αυτή την ημέρα στην Κωνσταντινούπολη δεν είναι εκδήλωση ισχύος αλλά απόδειξη αδυναμίας. Δεν έχουν τη δύναμη να σκιάσουν την ακτινοβολία ενός μνημείου παγκόσμιας κληρονομιάς. Κηλιδώνουν, όμως, αξίες οικουμενικές. Γι’ αυτό και απαιτούν καταδίκη οικουμενική.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) July 24, 2020