Greek Cypriots to hold landmark Easter Mass in Famagusta

NICOSIA - Agence France-Presse

A watchtower stands along the United Nations buffer zone in the district of Famagusta, northern Cyprus March 14. REUTERS Photo

Greek Cypriots have been authorized to hold a Good Friday mass at a church in the Turkish-held town of Famagusta (Gazimağusa) on divided Cyprus for the first time in decades.

Famagusta mayor-in-exile Alexis Galanos said Friday’s landmark service at Saint George Exorinos church will send a message of reconciliation on one of the most important dates in the Greek Orthodox calendar.

It will be the Famagusta church’s first Easter service for almost 60 years, said Galanos who joined forces with Turkish Cypriot Mayor Oktay Kayalp to organize the mass expected to draw about 4,000 worshippers. “This event is bigger than any of us,” Galanos told reporters on Wednesday. “A message of reconciliation will be given through this service.”

Because of intercommunal troubles before the island gained independence from Britain in 1960, religious services at St George Exorinos stopped 58 years ago.

Due to an improved climate of trust, the church in Famagusta has hosted Greek Orthodox morning mass twice since last December.

Before the Turkish intervention in 1974, the mediaeval city of Famagusta was the Mediterranean island’s major port and premier tourist destination, famed for hosting Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Relaunching peace talks on February 11 after a nearly two-year hiatus, Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders vowed to seek an end to the four-decade division “as soon as possible.”

The two leaders met for a second time earlier this month to “scan over” the positions of each side before entering a more detailed phase. Washington has said it wants to see “historic progress” in the resumed U.N.-brokered peace negotiations.