An icon of Saint John, illegally exported from Cyprus in 1974, was handed over to the Church during an event at the Archbishopric on Thursday.

An announcement says that on behalf of Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the Bishop of Karpasia Christophoros, received the icon which had been transported from Cyprus to the United Kingdom in 1974 by a Royal Air Force pilot. 

The icon was handed over to Bishop Christophoros by art historian, Maria Paphiti, who represented both the anonymous donor (former possessor) and Marc-André Renold, professor of Art Law and Cultural Heritage at the University of Geneva and holder of the chair of UNESCO in International Cultural Heritage Law, with whom she had collaborated for the repatriation of this icon.

The presentation of the icon by Paphiti to Bishop Christophoros was attended by secretary of the Archbishop’s office, Michalis Pavlou, the deacon Michalis Nikolaou, the Byzantinologist Dr. Christodoulos Hadjichristodoulou and Dimos Dimos, financial director of the Holy Archdbishopric of Cyprus.

The icon had been illegally exported by a Royal Air Force officer, who was serving on the island in 1974. The son of the late officer thought it right to return the icon to its place of origin. The gentleman, who chose to remain anonymous, has no monetary or other claims but he conditioned that the icon returns to its lawful owner, namely the Church of Cyprus, and that nobody benefits financially from its repatriation. As of today, the icon is in the custody of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus.

For the icon’s restitution the British gentleman sought advice from Marc-André Renold, Professor of Art and Cultural Heritage Law at the University of Geneva and holder of its UNESCO Chair in International Cultural Heritage Law.

In turn, the latter got in touch with the art historian, Maria Paphiti, known for her involvement in several cases of repatriating looted art from Cyprus, including the 6th century mosaic of St. Andrew from the Church of Panagia Kanakaria. Paphiti informed the Archbishop and coordinated the procedure for the icon’s return to Cyprus.

The anonymous donor said that if only this picture could talk, it would have a great tale to tell about its creation and the joy it has given to many generations of worshippers.

“It would also tell of the sorrows of the world, conflict and removal to another land for many years. St. John has remained hidden away in a box for years and this seemed such a waste so reuniting it with the people who really appreciate what it stands for is best for all concerned,” he said.

Professor Marc-André Renold said that the process of repatriation has been smooth and transparent, thanks to the clear wish of the donor to “do the right thing” and to the efficiency and expertise of Maria Paphiti, without whom this restitution would simply not have been possible.

“I also hope this case will be the first of many, whether they be of high or of modest value, but in any case of significant importance to those communities and individuals concerned,” the Professor said.

On her part, Paphiti said that the ceremony marks the conclusion of a great cooperation between, first and foremost, the anonymous donor, who took the initiative to return the icon to the Church of Cyprus, Professor Marc-André Renold and his team at the University of Geneva who chose to work with her and, also safe kept the icon throughout the process, as well as Archbishop Chrysostomos II, who wisely advised them during this time.

“This icon is of Cypriot origin, yet part of the world’s collective heritage. Its restitution is a reason for celebration, but also contemplation for the thousands of artworks that are illegally trafficked. We, all citizens, can contribute in halting this major crime,” she concluded.