“Dialogue and mutual knowledge between Christians, and between Christians and [the members of] other faiths, mainly our Muslim brothers here, can smooth out corners and clear up misunderstandings and fears that have no reason to exist.”
The Greek Revolution, which began the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, was characterised by a reference to religion. For this reason, the then Ecumenical Patriarch Gregory V was killed, as was his defender Haci Halil, Grand Imam of Constantinople. The betrayal by the Russians. Erdoğan's neo-Ottoman prospects.
The celebration for Saint Andrew, apostle and founder of the Church of Constantinople, was held in the presence of a Catholic delegation. “For us it is particularly important that the dialogue of truth in charity, which is in its 40th year, be accompanied by initiatives to jointly bear witness in the world”.
The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch offers a brief account of his "diakonia": the Ukrainian question, intended to strengthen the unity of the Orthodox Church; the commitment of the Eastern Church in the contemporary world; the importance of the pan-Orthodox synod. Everything is "a gift of God ... History will judge us".
Erdoğan's decree was published in today’s Official Gazette. This is the same fate as Hagia Sophia. The monastery in Chora (Karye) is a rare example of Byzantine art, part of the world’s cultural heritage even for Turkish historians. The arrogant ambitions of the Turkish president mix politics, ideology and culture. The West prefers to look elsewhere and trade.
An Islamic prayer will be recited in the Christian basilica on July 24. This marks the high point in the Turkish president's neo-Ottoman policy and in modern Turkey’s history. Yet, Hagia Sophia might be seen as a last throw of the dice to hide the country's deep economic crisis characterised by huge military budgets, runaway inflation, and uncontrolled public spending.
The holiness of Hagia Sophia constitutes a vital centre where west and east can meet; its conversion into a mosque will a drive a wedge between these two worlds.
The charge is published in journal close to President Erdogan. John Paul II, the former Armenian patriarch of Turkey Snork Kaloustian, Hillary Clinton and some already deceased Turkish politicians also accused. Phanar points to risk that such reporting "could spark dangerous acts of racism and intolerance". The Jewish community: "Unfounded accusations ... in a publication of hatred".
The young woman, a member of the Grup Yorum musical band, went on a hunger strike with fellow band members to denounce Erdoğan's repression. Grup Yorum’s concerts have been banned for three years. Seven members are in jail. The so-called democratic world remains silent.
A travel ban has been imposed in the country. Schools, universities, mosques, restaurants, hammams and coffee shops were closed ten days ago. The death toll (130) is rising. Out of a population of 80 million, 10,000 people have tested positive so far. Many Turks have doubts about official figures.
Cyprus’s Greek and Turkish communities have been seeking an agreement for some time, free from foreign interference, especially Turkey’s. Ankara has 35,000 soldiers and 200,000 Anatolian settlers on the island aimed at altering the island’s demography and culture. Turkish Cypriot president Mustafa Akinci falls foul of Erdoğan.
The Orthodox patriarch of Alexandria recognizes Epiphanius of Kiev
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