The Church of St George the Exiler in the old town of Turkish occupied Famagusta city, which stood silent for 55 years operated today for the first time.

Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos and the Turkish Cypriot so-called mayor of the occupied city Oktay Kayalp. Many Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots attended the liturgy, which began at 8.00 am.

Speaking after the liturgy, Galanos said that he is deeply touched by the fact that St George church operated again and a service was held.

Kayalp said that today is very important day for Famagusta because after 55 years it is the first time that the church is in operation. “I think this step can become the beginning for the two communities, to start coming together in Famagusta”, he said, adding that this kind of activities would help towards finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

The Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta Vasilios noted that he is deeply touched today, because he performed the liturgy in the St George Church. “We connect the present with the history of this place”, he pointed out.

The Head of the Initiative Group “Famagusta, our city”, Pavlos Iacovou expressed his enthusiasm over the operation of the Church after so many decades.