Pilgrimage to Saint Mamas Cyprus cancelled

A pilgrimage from the village of Pyrgos in the Paphos district to the church of Saint Mamas in the Turkish occupied area of Morphou, via the Limnitis checkpoint, was called off on Wednesday, due to delays caused by the Turkish Cypriot side.

A total of 650 Greek Cypriot pilgrims on 27 coaches were set to cross over to the Turkish occupied areas.

So-called police officers of the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime boarded the first two coaches to arrive at the checkpoint, on the northwest, in order to check the passengers' identity cards.

Eleven media representatives were requested to leave and, after a 90-minute delay, the pilgrims turned back in a gesture of protest.

The second group of pilgrims, on two more coaches, to arrive at the checkpoint was told by the occupation regime that it was already too late for the pilgrimage to Saint Mamas.

Chairman of the Committee for the opening of crossing points Andreas Karos said the developments were unacceptable.

Community leader of Kato Pyrgos spoke about a lack of communication in making the arrangements and the absence of the state in the area.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Bishop of Morphou Neophytos led a liturgy in the church of Saint Mamas to celebrate the saint's name day.

A small group of Greek Cypriots, who drove to Morphou separately and passed the occupation regime's checks, attended the liturgy. US Ambassador to Cyprus Frank Urbancic was also present.

Pilgrims also arrived by coach, having crossed the checkpoint in Astromeritis village, west of Nicosia.

Speaking after the liturgy, Bishop Neophytos expressed hope that the Cyprus problem would be solved.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks began in September last year between the leaders of the two communities with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution to reunite the country.