Greetings,
I am once again writing to you regarding the ongoing issues pertaining to the Great Hagia Sophia Cathedral of Constantinople and the Church of the Savior at Chora. I am writing again because it appears the Turkish government continues without hindrance to make changes to the Great Church of Hagia Sophia that was established by the EmperorJustinian the Great between the years 531 and 537 AD. The latest changes to Hagia Sophia indicate that the danger to the Byzantine Greek Orthodox iconography is growing with the continued changes to Justinian’s Cathedral.
The Turkish government has placed an electronic sign between the minarets of Hagia Sophia which is yet another serious blow to the character of Hagia Sophia. I am writing to you to express the hope that UNESCO will condemn this latest attack on the Christian character of Hagia Sophia. In your last letter to me, I was informed that UNESCO officials paid two visits to Hagia Sophia in October 2020 and January/February 2021 to collect information for an examination.
I respectfully seek to inquire how that is coming along? Considering that the activities of the Turkish government within Hagia Sophia continue unabated It appears that the very existence of Hagia Sophia’s religious, historic, and cultural foundations are at risk and that Hagia Sophia’s future is in a state of crisis. I remain appreciative for the attention that you are giving to Hagia Sophia and remain certain that you remain sensitive not only to the historic and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia, but to the great spiritual significance that Hagia Sophia holds for Greek Orthodox Christians.
I look forward to your response,
Thank you
Theodore G. Karakostas