Greeks Going to Return Previous Status to St. Sophia Church in IstanbulJune 2, 2006 - 18:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Free Agia Sophia Council in America" organizations has launched an international campaign to make St. Sophia an Orthodox Church again, American politician of Greek origin Chris Spiru stated a press conference in Manhattan. He presented the plan of the organization and emphasized that the matter concerns an international movement initiated in the U.S. which purposes the objective to retransform the Great Church of Saint Sophia in Constantinople into a Cathedral for all Orthodox believers.He said the Turkish government calls and uses the Church as a museum, organizes trade exhibitions, concerts and fashion shows in it. Sacrilege and desecration is taking place. We will use all the juridical and religious methods to achieve our goal," Spiru underscored. In his words, simultaneously a collection of signatures will be organized. "Muslims grew indignant over the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. We assert our right to pray in the church, which is a symbol for all Orthodox believers. I think, the moment when Turkey is striving to join the European Union is quite appropriate for it," Mr. Spiru said, reported Greek.ru. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |