SAN FRANCISCO – Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco issue a letter to educate the faithful of the Metropolis about Aghia Sophia and the recent decision of the President of Turkey to convert it into a mosque.

Metropolitan Gerasimos wrote:

“Beloved in the Lord,

‘O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.’

–Psalm 104:24

The recent actions of the Republic of Turkey to convert the historic Hagia Sophia into a mosque has drawn worldwide attention. While this political effort may be happening over 6,000 miles from the Metropolis of San Francisco and you may feel removed from its impact, it is incumbent upon each of us to become educated about this situation and appropriately protest this action and encourage the reversal of this decision.

We know that Hagia Sophia was the pre-eminent Church in all Christendom from its opening in the sixth century. Besides its significance for Christians, it was and still is an architectural marvel, and a place that has opened her doors for millions of people throughout the world over the centuries to witness her majesty and beauty. The decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque places that openness in jeopardy.

Let us beseech the Lord, through His Might and Wisdom, to bring about a peaceful resolution and may Hagia Sophia be reinstated as a museum that is filled with love, unity and acceptance.

With Love in Christ,

+ G E R A S I M O S

Metropolitan of San Francisco.”