Protests and special service held in Greece over conversion of Hagia Sophia
'Christian church'
Turkey slammed Greek statements against the move to convert Hagia Sophia back into a mosque after the first Muslim prayers were held there.
Flag burning
A group of far-right Greek extremists burned Turkish flags on Friday to protests against the reopening of the Hagia Sophia as a mosque instead of a museum.
Protests outside church
Protesters waved flags and held banners during a gathering outside a church in Thessaloniki.
Special service
The head of the Church of Greece Archbishop Ieronymos held a special service at Athens Metropolitan Church chanting the Akathist Hymn in honour of the Virgin Mary. The same service had been officiated in Hagia Sophia.
Hundreds attended the service
Orthodox faithful attended the special service at Athens Metropolitan Church on July 24, 2020 while Orthodox believers protested against turning the reopening of the mosque.
'Spoiled children of Europe'
"The spoiled children of Europe, who cannot accept renewed prostration in Hagia Sophia, are once again delusional," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a statement.
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