WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) supported and participated in a protest held at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC, on August 14. The protest, organized by The Hellenic Center, focused on condemning Turkey’s formal decision to change the status of Aghia Sophia from a museum to a mosque. AHI participated alongside The Hellenic Center, AHEPA, The Laconian Society, and the Hagia Sophia Preservation Society.

AHI supported the protest by promoting the event to its audience of metro DC-area members. Also, AHI Director of Legislative Affairs Elias Gerasoulis represented the Institute at the event.

According to AHI President Nick Larigakis, “I want to congratulate the protest organizers and participants for their initiative. We are deeply proud and extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this noble effort.”

Legislative Affairs Director Gerasoulis added his appreciation for the efforts of the organizers and said, “It was a great opportunity to engage with the protesters, especially protesters of a younger generation, on the specifics of what transpired with Aghia Sophia and on religious freedom in Turkey, more broadly.”

One of the main organizers and leaders of the event, George Marafatsos, said, “I thank AHI’s Director of Legislative Affairs, Elias Gerasoulis, for coming to this very important event for peace. AHI is playing a very important role in Washington, DC addressing Hellenic Issues and I am glad you were there as AHI's representative.”

More information about AHI is available online: https://www.ahiworld.org/.