Priceless icon from occupied Cyprus returned to Church

An 18th century post-Byzantine icon of Chirst, which belongs to the Church of Agios Charalambos in the Turkish occupied village Neo Chorio Kythreas, has been returned to its rightful owner, the Church of Cyprus.

According to the Church of Cyprus, English singer Boy George bought the icon in 1985 from an art dealer in London, having no knowledge of its origin.

The Church of Cyprus recognized the icon in a Dutch television show with the artist and consequently presented him with the testimonials of icon specialists and the parish priest.

The singer agreed to return the icon, expressing his wish that it is returned soon to the church from which it was illegally removed.

Cyprus is divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and since then occupy 37% of its territory.

Since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, hundreds of valuable artifacts have been stolen from the northern Turkish occupied areas and found their way into the black market. More than 500 churches have been pillaged and many archaeological and other cultural heritage sites have been abandoned to the elements.

This is not the first time the Church of Cyprus has secured the return of stolen religious artefacts, illegal stolen and sold on the black market abroad.

UN – led peace talks are underway between President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu with a view to reunify the country under a federal roof.