"Free Agia Sophia Council in America" organizations has launched an international campaign to make St. Sophia an Orthodox Church again, American politician of Greek origin Chris Spiru stated a press conference in Manhattan. He presented the plan of the organization and emphasized that the matter concerns an international movement initiated in the U.S. which purposes the objective to retransform the Great Church of Saint Sophia in Constantinople into a Cathedral for all Orthodox believers.

He said the Turkish government calls and uses the Church as a museum, organizes trade exhibitions, concerts and fashion shows in it. Sacrilege and desecration is taking place. We will use all the juridical and religious methods to achieve our goal," Spiru underscored. In his words, simultaneously a collection of signatures will be organized. "Muslims grew indignant over the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. We assert our right to pray in the church, which is a symbol for all Orthodox believers. I think, the moment when Turkey is striving to join the European Union is quite appropriate for it," Mr. Spiru said, reported Greek.ru.