'Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'
- Matthew 5:3-10
My beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

I greet you with love in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This message comes to you after having reflected further on our beloved Hagia Sophia, the undisputed jewel of the Christian world. Even as we mourn the Turkish government's decision to return Hagia Sophia to the status of a mosque, we might do better to remember how the place has been protected by God; as it was in the year 626, when an army of Persians and Avars led an attack on the Great City of Constantinople .
Hagia Sophia:
Jewel of the Byzantines
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