Archbishop

Vatican diplomat in Nicosia argues for preserving faith in a changing world

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Vatican diplomat in Nicosia argues for preserving faith in a changing world

The Vatican and Cyprus have been strengthening their relations beyond just ecclesiastical cooperation. The consecration of an Apostolic Nuncio in Nicosia has further solidified their ties. The Vatican is actively engaged in promoting human dignity, peace, and supporting the local Church in Cyprus. The Vatican Embassy participates in a program that promotes interreligious dialogue in Cyprus. The Catholic Church has faced challenges, including addressing sexual abuse cases, and has made efforts to heal wounds and prevent new cases.

Greens call on church to halt building on Natura 2000 site

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Greens call on church to halt building on Natura 2000 site

Fact: The Cyprus church is ignoring government warnings about illegal monastery-building works in the environmentally-protected Cape Greco area.

Pope Francis planning Indonesia visit, minister says

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Pope Francis planning Indonesia visit, minister says

Pope Francis is planning to visit Indonesia, Singapore, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and possibly Vietnam in early September, according to the Vatican’s foreign minister. The trip to Indonesia would be one of the most taxing for Francis, who is 87 years old and has had recent health issues. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation, with about 8 million Catholics representing around 3% of the total population.

Lawyers demand procedure cancellation in St Habakkuk scandal

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Lawyers demand procedure cancellation in St Habakkuk scandal

The lawyers of the two monks from the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk are requesting the cancellation of the procedure concerning the scandals at the monastery from the investigative committee handling the case.

Cyprus commemorates the anniversary of 25 March with parades and celebrations

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Cyprus commemorates the anniversary of 25 March with parades and celebrations

Cyprus will commemorate the anniversary of March 25th with Doxologies, parades, and events in all cities. A Doxology will take place at the Church of Panagia Faneromeni in Nicosia at 10.00, led by Archbishop George, with the presence of the President Nikos Christodoulides, Minister Athena Michaelides, Speaker Annita Demetriou, and the Ambassador of Greece Ioannis Papameletiou. The President and officials will receive the parade salute at 11.00 in front of the Greek Embassy. The parade includes old warriors, students, scouts, unions, and organizations. At 12.30, the President will attend a reception at the Ambassador of Greece’s residence. Ceremonies and parades are planned in other cities as well.

The Cypriots in the national uprising of 1821

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The Cypriots in the national uprising of 1821

Cypriot Hellenism experienced severe hardships under the first Turkish rule starting in 1821, enduring 308 years of misery, poverty, and despair. Cypriots joined the Filiki Eteria, a secret society aimed at overthrowing Ottoman rule in Greece, with Archbishop Kyprianos initiating correspondence with Alexander Ypsilantis in 1818. The Zenonos brothers from Cyprus participated in the battle of Dragatsani on June 7, 1821, and continued to fight in other battles in Greece, earning praise for their heroism. Manuscripts found in the National Archives of Athens contain accounts of Cypriot volunteers’ contributions to the Greek revolution, including financial sacrifices. Despite the massacres in Cyprus in July 1821, with casualties between 480 and 2000, Cypriot revolutionaries fought valiantly in various locations across Greece, both on land and at sea.

Cyprus honours Greek Independence Day at parades across the island

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Cyprus honours Greek Independence Day at parades across the island

Cyprus will celebrate Greek Independence Day on Monday with parades, events, and church services. A church service will be held at 10am at the Panayia Faneromeni church in Nicosia’s old town, led by Archbishop Georgios and attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, House Speaker Annita Demetriou, and the ambassador of Greece Ioannis Papameletiou. After the church service, they will attend a student parade outside the Greek embassy. President Christodoulides will make a speech at 12.30pm at the ambassador’s residence in Nicosia. Church services and parades will also occur in other cities, with various government officials attending events in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Paralimni, and Polis Chrysochou.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: What is First Lady, ’s achievement?

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Tales from the Coffeeshop: What is First Lady, ’s achievement?

The IMH conference organizer is promoting its Women Leaders’ Forum at the Hilton Hotel, featuring the First Lady of Cyprus, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, as a speaker. The forum is titled ‘Achievement driven by women.’ Environment Commissioner Dr. Maria Panayiotou, who initiated a project involving biological oranges at the presidential palace, was later appointed minister of agriculture despite her lack of background in agriculture, largely due to her relationship with the First Lady. Agriculture Minister Dr. Panayiotou attended an event at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort, which raised concerns about environmental impacts on the Mediterranean Monk Seal’s habitat. Marios Pelekanos switched from the Disy party to Elam to run for the European Parliament, highlighting political opportunism. Yiannakis Nicolaou, the news boss of the state broadcaster, exhibited erratic behavior and dishonesty in his professional conduct. Archbishop Georgios criticized the exploitation of religious relics for financial gain and questioned the authenticity of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary’s visit to Cyprus, which was treated with state honors. Aristides Viketos revealed that the money found in the Avakoum monastery’s safe was more than reported, with allegations of misappropriation by Bishop Isaias.

Truth commission in Cyprus is crucial to reconciliation

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Truth commission in Cyprus is crucial to reconciliation

Achilleas Demetriades, a human rights lawyer and former presidential candidate in Cyprus, proposed converting the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) into a truth commission during a meeting in the UK parliament. His proposal aims to enable the CMP to investigate the circumstances and cause of death of missing persons, beyond its current function of locating and disinterring missing individuals. Demetriades suggests amending the CMP’s terms of reference to allow investigations into how 1,510 Greek Cypriots and 492 Turkish Cypriots disappeared. He argues for statutory immunity from prosecution for those providing information to the commission, noting that current guarantees might not suffice for the broader scope of a truth commission. Transitional justice processes like truth commissions, exemplified by South Africa’s Truth Commission established in 1995, are highlighted as effective in overcoming conflict and promoting reconciliation. The article also mentions the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy to Cyprus, Maria Holguin, and the potential for establishing a truth commission in Cyprus, with support from the UN high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, emphasizing the importance of truth for reconciliation and preventing the repetition of conflicts.

Kate praised for , ‘extraordinary dignity’ after cancer diagnosis

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Kate praised for , ‘extraordinary dignity’ after cancer diagnosis

Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy. This diagnosis came after major abdominal surgery in January revealed the presence of cancer. The 42-year-old princess described the diagnosis as a “huge shock.” The news has led to widespread support from the public, including messages from King Charles, Prince Harry, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and U.S. President Joe Biden. King Charles is also undergoing cancer treatment. Kate made a video statement about her condition from Windsor. Her brother, James Middleton, expressed his support on Instagram. British newspapers covered the story extensively, with The Sun and the Daily Mirror highlighting the public’s support and Kate’s own words on the matter. The Daily Telegraph quoted Kate as saying she is “going to be OK,” while the Daily Mail criticized those who speculated about her health.