The 54th annual celebration of the “Blessing of the Seas” took place on Sunday morning in Margate of south-east England. During the ceremony a message by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades was read out.

The ceremony was officiated by the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Gregorios in the presence of the High Commissioner of Cyprus in the UK Euripides Evriviades, the Greek Ambassador Dimitrios Karamitsos-Tziras, the local MPs Sir Roger Gale (Conservative, head of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus), who expressed hope for a quick resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue after the presidential election and Craig Mackinlay (Conservative), local officials, leaders of the organised diaspora and many UK Cypriots.

In his message President Anastasiades said: “We look to 2018 with optimism, for our country and its people. President Anastasiades also praised the role of Archbishop Gregorios, who, as the President noted, “this year completes 30 years of pastoral service, being the longest serving bishop of the See of Thyateira since its transfer to Europe.”

Congratulating his Eminence, the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, the President of the Republic added in his message: “His is a pastorate that has embraced many facets of life in the British Isles. In addition to his spiritual leadership, he has placed great emphasis on the development of education and social care, as well as on safeguarding our religious and cultural values and traditions.”

Nicos Anastasiades also congratulated the Chairman and members of the Greek Orthodox Community in Margate, the Mayor and members of the borough council and all those who had been involved in organising the celebration.

At the same time, he extended his warmest greetings and wishes for health, prosperity and happiness for the New Year to all Cypriots in Margate, and to all present during Sunday’s ceremony.

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