Earlier, as informed by RIA Novosti, the Supreme Administrative Court of Turkey (State Council) considered the issue of changing the status of Hagia Sophia and turning it into a mosque.
“I hope for the prudence of the Turkish government. Maintaining the current, neutral status of Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest masterpieces of Christian culture, a symbol temple for millions of Christians around the world, will further develop relations between the peoples of Russia and Turkey, strengthen inter-religious peace and harmony, ”the statement of the patriarch reads on ROC website.
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the department for external church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, commenting on the situation, said that "we need to respect the feelings of believers."