The four metropolitans of Thrace call on “the whole Christian and civilized world to react in any appropriate way for the restoration of the monument and its return to its proper use”, with a joint statement.
In particular, Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada and Soufli, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi and Peritheorion, Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis and Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maronia and Komotini highlighted in their statement that the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque on Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s initiative is an insult and a provocation against Christians around the world.
The four metropolitans point out that in the face of this challenge, Greece, as a country of European law, without giving up its national rights, must continue to teach lessons of democracy.
“Thrace is the pattern of a model place and a model to emulate. The peaceful coexistence of peoples with different religions and the respect for religious freedom are achievements that cannot be questioned, but must not be undermined. After all, evangelical love is the most important timeless and universal Christian message.
We will rigorously continue to preach it in Thrace, both in words and in deeds. And with it we will continue to move on.”