Thousands from across Cyprus flocked to the Ayios Giorgos Exorinos church in Famagusta to worship during the Good Friday service for the third year in a row.

Located within the walled city of occupied Famagusta, close to the fenced-off area known as Varosha, it was an emotionally charged day for several who attended, particularly Greek Cypriot refugees who fled the town in 1974.

People arrived early to worship and decorate the Epitaphios, the ceremony marking the death and resurrection of Christ.

The liturgy began at 4.30pm and ended at around 8pm.

It attracted not only members of the public who had free buses available to them from all towns, but also officials such as Famagusta’s refugee Mayor Alexis Galanos and several deputies.

President Nicos Anastasiades was represented by Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Fotis Fotiou.

The service was organised by Bishop Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta, and the ‘Famagusta our town’ group.

The last regular service held in the Ayios Giorgos Exorinos church was in 1957.

Cyprus Mail