ENCYCLICAL OF HIS EMINENCE NIKITAS, ARCHBISHOP OF THYATEIRA AND GREAT BRITAIN ON THE TRAGIC ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION IN CYPRUS, IN JULY AND AUGUST 197

These days mark the 46th tragic anniversary since the Turkish army invaded Cyprus and gradually occupied 37% of the Republic of Cyprus, displacing 200,000 inhabitants of the Island and eradicating them from their ancestral homes, villages, towns, schools, and churches. The dissolution of community life in the occupied territories has also resulted in the migration of many refugees to the United Kingdom, Greece, Australia, and elsewhere. Unfortunately, to date, the issue of Cyprus has not been resolved. This stalemate obstructs the Island from being reunited, and the refugees from returning to their towns and villages. I would also like to emphasize that, despite the disappointment and justified indignation caused by the continuation of the current situation, Cyprus is an internationally recognized democratic state and a full member of the European Union. The President and the Government of the Island, supported by the other political forces of the country, strengthen, with their attitude, peace, and security, inspiring all of us for a better future.

Our Archdiocese has always been the reference point of the Greek Orthodox Migration to the United Kingdom, and all the clergy pray to the Most Worshiped and Glorious Holy Trinity to support us all and comfort the refugees both of Cyprus and the whole world. The Most Holy Theotokos, who receives from the first day of August our supplications, is our living hope, bringing together the Greek Orthodox World, so that, through prayer, we remain faithful to the Greek Orthodox Church and cultivate the virtues of peace, patience, and hope. We fervently believe that God does not forget Cyprus. He illumines us so that we uphold the hope of correcting evil, reuniting Cyprus, and restoring the refugees to their homes. We believe, pray and expect that, with the grace of God, the Island of the Saints will be reunited, its people will be reconciled and pacified, and Cyprus will continue its historical course and Christian Tradition, which the Apostles Paul, Barnabas, and Mark introduced to Cyprus.

With these thoughts, I welcome you all and pray for the restoration of Freedom and Justice, and the Peace of the People of Cyprus, faithfully remaining in Our Lord’s love.