The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing its concern over recent instances of provocative behavior outside Christian churches in Istanbul.
The Ministry requested that Turkish authorities take all the necessary measures for the safety of Christian Churches and guarantee the unhindered participation of Christians in exercising their worship during religious services over the Easter period.
“In view of the Easter holidays, we expect the Turkish authorities to honor their relevant commitments and take all necessary measures to protect the Christian churches and ensure that the faithful can participate unhindered in the religious events of these days,”it said in an announcement.
Earlier in April state employees of the Turkish Forestry Office reportedly invaded the grounds of the Transfiguration Monastery at Halki and attempted to expel the guard and set a forestry office there.
Another incident involved a man garbed in Islamic robes barging into the Church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and shouting, while in separate case 5 individuals were chanting slogans at the Agios Panteleimonas temple.
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