As dark a day as any since May 29, 1453.
“Today, We Mourn Hagia Sophia,” by Claire Evans, International Christian Concern, July 24, 2020:
07/24/2020 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – A sword will pierce her heart, yet she ponders. Such is the legacy of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a legacy re-encountered within the history of Hagia Sophia.
The ancient cathedral, the heart of Eastern Christianity, was pierced by the sword during the Ottoman era conquest. She was converted into a mosque, and Christians pondered their future.
Centuries later, the Ottoman Empire transformed into modern Turkey. Hagia Sophia was changed into a museum as a violent genocide targeting Christians swept across the country.
Today, Christians are forced to ponder an uncertain future. Christianity mourns as Hagia Sophia is once again converted into a mosque. Those Christian mosaics within the cathedral, many of which show Mary, are covered. The cathedral’s Christian history is hidden away. Like Mary, we ponder the future. And we mourn. “We ask that every Church toll its bells in lamentation on this day,” requested the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Encountering the mystery of Christ remains deeply rooted in Orthodoxy. Hagia Sophia’s design testifies to the mystical union between Christ’s bride (the church) and her encounter with God. Hagia Sophia is often discussed in terms of spiritual intimacy and union, by both Christians and Muslims. For whoever occupies Hagia Sophia, it is viewed as a marriage.
For this reason, the Greek Orthodox have asked that the Akathist Hymn is sung even as church bells toll in lamentation. Mourn the loss of Hagia Sophia, but also as the hymn suggests, “Rejoice, O Bride unwedded, the world’s salvation… At a loss and perplexed am I. As ordered therefore, thus do I shout to you: Rejoice, O Maiden who are full of grace!”
Such similar language of endearment is common vocabulary when speaking of Hagia Sophia. For example, Greek [Ecumenical] Patriarch Bartholomew remarked in the days’ prior that Hagia Sophia is the center “in which East and West embrace.”
This latest transformation of Hagia Sophia is nothing less than a new type of embrace, laden with fresh symbolism. Turkey has intentionally chosen today—the anniversary of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne—to formalize the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The treaty established under Ataturk a secular Turkey, a country that looks at a church and sees a museum. Today, Turkey looks past Lausanne towards its Ottoman past. But what in this history bodes well for the future?
“[Hagia Sophia] became a symbol of conquest,” said one Turkish Christian as she recounts the cathedral’s history to ICC. “I wonder what will come after the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. I can’t make sense of the cry of victory for some of the Islamic side. [They say] ‘we took your temple to the Christian world from you. We have triumphed against Ataturk.’”
Indeed, the conversion of Hagia Sophia back into a mosque is an achievement long looked towards by Turkey’s ruling party (AKP). Its reliance upon Islamic nationalism has only ostracized those who fall outside their specific belief system, isolating those of a different conscience.
“To me, Turkey is now becoming quite impatient against Christians and Christianity. [President Erdogan] seeks every opportunity to establish his own caliphate,” adds another Turkish Christian. “I think Hagia Sophia was just one of the small steps to do this. Hagia Sophia was used as a matter of revenge, and Christianity was completely ignored. This will not be the first (and it will) not be the end.”…
The Akathist Hymn sung today by churches mourning Hagia Sophia’s conversion includes the line “we your faithful inscribe to you the prize of victory as gratitude for being rescued from calamity.”
Amongst the sadness and anticipation of a more challenging future, there is hope and gratitude. “Rejoice, the only one who budded forth the unfading apple,” adds the hymn. The future may look more challenging, but there is hope. That even as Turkey fades back into an era of persecution, the church may yet still thrive.
Thus, we ponder as we mourn today’s loss of Hagia Sophia.
Ade Fegan says
Another nail in the coffin
GreekEmpress says
And today Erdogan delivers the “Ottoman Slap” to Christians world-wide.
I’ll be listening to the Akathist Hymn today while I ponder.
mortimer says
The conversion of HS is the CULMINATION of the Turkish genocide against its Christians citizesn between 1890 and 1924. Turkey is saying to the world that it is NOT repentant or sorry for the genocides Turkey committed.
A country that does not acknowledge genocide in its past is likely to commit another genocide in future.
FYI says
PLEASE remember this if you are Christians of ANY denomination and are affronted by this show of islamic supremacy.
These muslims who will ‘praying’ to their Arab god allah,a god whose enemy is a MAN called “the king of Kings”{sahih muslim vol 5 hadith #5611;gee,who could THAT be?}a god who admits to being a champion deceiver{k3:54},a god who CURSES Christians for believing in Jesus Christ{koran 9:30}a god who says Christians and Jews are ‘ the WORST of created beings’ {koran 98:6}…will one day be judged by the One who has the authority to judge them.
No not their false god ‘allah’ their islamic demon god, but a MAN by the name of the ‘King of kings’ OR..if you like..
Jesus Christ the HAGIA SOPHIA.
muslims are too stupid to see that or that the HAGIA SOPHIA is STOLEN PROPERTY,a property dedicated to Jesus Christ the HAGIA SOPHIA.
So while some Christians might be bothered by this islamic ignorance remember that they these muslims are too stupid to see that some day it is Jesus Christ the HAGIA SOPHIA that will be judging and condemning them.Who said they could STEAL HIS church?
Since they ‘pray’ to an Arab god who appears to be the enemy of Jesus their ‘prayers’ and piety are of course utterly WORTHLESS.
allah is NOT the YHWH of the Bible.
In terms of Biblical Prophecy BTW islam is not on the winning side:again muslims are too stupid to see that.so do not allow yourself to be TOO bothered by this.
anti christ appears to be triumphant now but Christains KNOW the Parousia will be defeating that.
After all Jesus Christ the HAGIA SOPHIA,whose church these ignorant,fraudulently pious islamic hypocrites STOLE will be having the last laugh;and their demonic god ‘allah’ won’t save them from that.
gravenimage says
Here is the The Akathist Hymn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1aTQe869rg
Westman says
Francis, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
gravenimage says
Pope Francis did *not* go to this travesty.
It is true that this was the least he could do–but at least he did it.
James Lincoln says
True, gravenimage.
Still, not enough to move the needle regarding my opinion of him…
gravenimage says
Agreed, James–just saying it might have been even worse.
Sukabumi Joe Joe says
I understand that a lot of foreign ‘brass’ has been invited. It will be interesting to see who attended.
J Morgan says
I don’t have very high expectations of the Pope saying anything meaningful, other than he is saddened. What a disappointment he is as the leader of the Catholic(Universal)Christian Church.
mortimer says
The sheikhs and professors at Al Azhar University have condemned the conversion, but the pope has not. The Orthodox patriarch Bartholomew has been restrained in his comments due to the likelihood that Orthodox Christians in Muslim countries will be targeted for violent persecutions.
If Christians behave like silent, submissive little dhimmis, it is less probable they will be attacked.
I noted the pope and patriarch used the same language, suggesting they consulted one another.
mccode says
He will likely utter some servile appeal to further his fantasy of “interfaith dialogue”. Francis is revealed for his spineless acquiesce.
Jesus had righteous anger and condemnation when confronted by corruption in the temple. Francis needs to remember and follow His example today.
J Morgan says
+1
Rufolino says
The Pope “a disappointment” ?
That’s the understatement of the century.
The Pope is a catastrophe, particularly for Europe, which he appears to care nothing about.
SAFI says
“where East and West embrace” what a depressingly banal platitude for a ‘Patriarch’ to say given the moment it’s being said. But rather characteristic of the awkwardness and spiritlessness of a church that has given up on Christianity in order to assume the ‘cross’ of liberal interfaith multicultural ecology (Francis is just an even more extreme example of that). I mean no offense, Bart, but if that’s really how you feel then perhaps it really should be a mosque (and in any case I don’t think you would mind all that much)
mortimer says
Boycott Turkish goods. Boycott Turkish tourism.
James Lincoln says
mortimer says,
“Boycott Turkish goods.”
How does one know what Turkish goods are?
I’d be happy to boycott them if I knew…
gravenimage says
I found some Turkish dried apricots at one of my local shops. Of course I passed on them.
Linde Barrera says
To Mortimer-Excellent idea. Many hand soaps are made in Turkey, says so on the label. Buy American. And no one should put Turkey on their travel list.
It is a travesty that the beautiful Christian church Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom”) has become a mosque. Obviously, satanic powers are at work here. I am grieving.
gravenimage says
I have brought some olive oil soaps from Greece and Israel. Nice stuff.
https://www.greekmarket.com/1950-03020.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwsO_4BRBBEiwAyagRTa1lN_Hspet6KA4maEua-Ss9cP5OBqPAxLLKxkdYdhJgsHZcCSlTGBoC8uUQAvD_BwE
https://www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com/dead-sea-bodycare-and-olive-oil-soap/olive-oil-and-dead-sea-mineral-soap.html
CogitoErgoSum says
This is where the East embraces West? If the Church is considered to be the Bride of Christ, Islam is now in the process of raping her. However, as much is to be expected from the religion that was founded by a rapist. Muhammad was also a murderer and that will display itself shortly.
GreekEmpress says
Does anybody have any info about any Christian leaders who may have attended the travesty? I can’t find anything.
gravenimage says
Lots on this supremacist ceremony, but nothing on any Christian leaders attending, GreekEmpress–at least that I can find.
Hindu American says
Mark this day.
As a secular Hindu I weep for Europe today. As a practicing Hindu I fear for Europe’s future today. As a surviving son of a nation that withstood a genocide of 80 million murders I am shameful of a Europe that does not see the writing on the wall.
Wake up, Europe!
gravenimage says
Thank you, Hindu American.
Wellington says
Seconded.
gravenimage says
Today, We Mourn Hagia Sophia
As dark a day as any since May 29, 1453.
………………
I have nothing I can add to this…
OLD GUY says
Pay attention people of the free world, YOU are next in the vision of the islamic/muslim world takeover. Genocide of Christians is the plan of the Muslim/Islamic world leaders and people, with the exception of the ones they want for sex slaves and general slavery. I include all followers of islam because the so called moderates are allowing the Genocide and destruction to take place through their silence and support.