Turkish Cypriot returns key of occupied church to the Church of Cyprus
The key of the Turkish occupied church of Agios Georgios the Exiler in Famagusta was returned tonight to its rightful owners, the Church of Cyprus. The key was returned by a representative of the Eastern University in Cyprus’ occupied areas during the epitaph (Bier of Christ) liturgy on Good Friday.
The liturgy was the first to take place in 58 years and was attended by around four thousand people, who went to the occupied areas by bus from Larnaca, Nicosia, Paralimni, Pafos and Limassol or by private transport.
The hymns of the Epitaph were sung by the choir of Famagusta Municipality, evoking memories to many people who returned to Famagusta to attend after so many years the Good Friday service.
Pilgrims started gathering at the church at midday to worship the Bier of Christ and wash their hands with rose water that was blessed by the church. They waited until late in the afternoon to listen to the liturgy and accompany Bishop Constantia of Famagusta Vasilios, who officiated the service and led the procession of the Epitaph outside the church.
Many dignitaries attended the service, including the ambassador of the US, the British High Commissioner, the UN SG’s Special Representative in Cyprus, ambassadors, Euro MPs, EU Commissioner Androulla Vasiliou and political party leaders.
In short statements, Bishop Vasilios said the “massive presence of so many faithful is a clear message of promoting the conviction that religion is a powerful tool for reconciliation and not for division.”
He said today`s service was a “divine act” that surpassed all expectations and praised the presence of the representative of the Turkish Cypriot religious leader. Events like these, he said, contribute to solidifying good relations between the two communities.
He greeted all dignitaries that attended the liturgy and members of the House of Representatives as well as the mayor of Famagusta, Greek Cypriot Alexis Galanos and the Turkish Cypriot “mayor” Oktay Kayalp.
Both the Bishop and the representative of the Moufti, the Turkish Cypriot religious leader, exchanged gifts.
The representative of the Turkish Cypriot religious leader said the two religious leaders can make great efforts to find a solution and the leaders of the two sides have good hearts and can contribute positively towards a solution to the Cyprus issue.
“I believe Archbishop Chrysostomos` stance on the Cyprus issue and the talks is correct”, he said speaking through an interpreter.
He said that the dialogue that the religious leaders have been conducting for three years now should continue and will bring positive results.
“We see positive results”, he said and added “if we all do what our duties call for, we will achieve peace and reach a solution”.
A representative of the Eastern University gave Bishop Vasilios the key to the church of Agios Georgios, which is part of a University programme.
“This is not a present, this is something that is handed back to its owner”, he added, as he returned the key to the Bishop.
In his remarks, Mayor of Famagusta Alexis Galanos said he was deeply moved and thanked everyone and the thousands of people who attended the service, as well as everyone who worked tirelessly for tonight`s gathering.
“I hope that next year we will be able to return and live in peace. The people want a solution, reunification and peace”, the Mayor of the occupied town said.
“Famagusta is the key, now you have that. We have hope and determination to continue,” he concluded.
The pilgrimage was concluded without any incidents and pilgrims began their return to the free areas of the Republic.
The church of Saint George the Exiler lies within the walled city of Famagusta, which is at a very close proximity to the fenced off area of Famagusta, known as Varosha, on the eastern coast.
The UN consider Turkey responsible for Varosha and have called for the return of the town to its lawful inhabitants. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, engaged in peace talks with the Turkish Cypriot leader, has proposed the return of the city as a confidence building measure to restore trust between the island`s two communities, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion
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