Epitaph in occupied Famagusta after 57 years

The Divine Liturgy of Deposition will take place in the church of St. George Exorinou, where since last December, with the permission of the Turkish Cypriot regime, one Sunday a month takes place the Divine Liturgy.

The church of St. George was built in the 15th century and is situated within the medieval walls of Famagusta. The Divine Liturgy of Deposition and Epitaph was announced by the mayors of Famagusta Alexis Galanos and Oktay Kayalp.

The Bishop of Constantia-Famagusta, Basil, speaking at the Athens News Agency, called this development very important. "We are thrilled," he said and added that made ​​intensive preparations for the ceremony, which will take place after many decades. "In addition, we make arrangements to enable and procession of the Epitaph in some streets of the walled city of Famagusta", he said.

He noted, that already there is a strong response from large crowds and have said they will attend two thousand people. "Of course we do not want to limit the celebration of Divine Liturgy and other Divine Service in Agios Georgios Exorino, but also to open the other churches and to find a viable solution to the Cyprus problem, in order us to be able to operate all our churches and to preserve them, in the best conditions" said Mr. Basil.

Mayor Alexis Galanos said that it will be "a great day for the Church and reconciliation". Also, he said that will be invited Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot officials and foreign ambassadors. Government spokesman Christos Stylianides congratulated the two mayors for their initiative. Speaking at CyBC noted that the government supports such actions, because it is in the spirit of confidence-building measures.