Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta commented on the new shameful and profane decision of Turkey to convert into a mosque, after Hagia Sophia, the historic Chora Church.
The hierarch of the Church of Cyprus and pastor of a province which, together with the rest of the refugee world, has been experiencing for more than 46 years the tragic consequences of the Turkish atrocity of 1974 (i.e. Turkish invasion in Cyprus), including the looting, desecration and destruction of many ecclesiastical monuments, referred to the new challenge of the neighboring country.
“We (Ed. note: the Church of Cyprus) had valid information about this act and therefore in the announcement of the Holy Synod on Hagia Sophia there was also a reference made to this Turkish plan. Shame on them for their actions. If UNESCO is incapable of protecting culture, then another organization must be created that has the capability and the ability to react.”
