Moscow Patriarch assures of support for Cyprus

by Thanasis Avgerinos

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russias Alexios II has assured that the Russian Church and the Russian people support efforts for a united Cyprus and share the pain of the people of Cyprus.

Speaking during a religious ceremony attended by Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos II, who is paying an official visit to Russia, Alexios expressed regret over the destruction of Cyprus’ religious heritage in the island’s areas occupied since the Turkish invasion of 1974, expressing however the belief that Cyprus will become a united island with no dividing lines and occupation.

On his part, Archbishop Chrysostomos expressed the gratitude of the people of Cyprus to the government, Church and people of Russia for their constant and serious help to the people of Cyprus.

“The Orthodox Christians of Cyprus will never forget the contribution of the Russian Church to the development of fraternal and friendly relations and will always feel gratitude and respect,” he added.