The Ecumenical Patriarchate has officially opposed the Divine Liturgy set to take place Friday, 17 September 2010, at Hagia Sophia in Constantinople by approximately 250 Greek-Americans of the International Congregation of Agia Sophia lead by Chris Spyrou.
During a press conference on September 1st the President of the International Congregation of Agia Sophia Chris Spyrou stated:
“On the 16th of September 2009, on behalf of the International Congregation of Agia Sophia, I wrote to Prime Minister Erdogan and informed him that on the 17th of September 2010, the day the Orthodox Christian religion celebrates the holy feast day of Sophia, Faith, Hope and Love, a delegation of the International Congregation will visit Constantinople. The aim of the visit of the delegation of the International Congregation in Constantinople is the celebration of Divine Liturgy in Agia Sophia.”
See also: A Divine Liturgy At Hagia Sophia on 09/17/2010?