Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill visited on Saturday the Constantia- Famagusta Metropolis, in the framework of his visit to Cyprus at the invitation of the primate of the Church of Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos II.
Patriarch Kirill visited the Cultural Centre of the occupied town of Famagusta in Dherynia, where he gazed the fenced area of the town. There, he was welcomed by the Mayors and the Members of Famagusta and Dherynia Municipal Councils.
Famagusta Deputy Mayor Simo Ioannou handed over to the Patriarch two gifts, an icon of Saint Nicholas and a clay amphora vase.
Patriarch Kirill also visited Ayios Georgios square in Paralimni. Mayor of Paralimni Theodoros Pirrilis welcomed Patriarch Kirill and asked him to support the Cypriot Greek Orthodox people and the refugees of Famagusta in their struggle to return to their homes and their properties.
Following the welcoming ceremony, Patriarch Kirill and Bishop of Constantia and Famagusta Vassilios officiated a service at the Metropolitan Church of Ayios Georgios in Paralimni. In his speech, Bishop Vassilios referred to the close relations between the people of Cyprus and the people of Russia. He also referred to the Turkish occupation and the destruction of the cultural and orthodox heritage in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
He called on Patriarch Kirill to continue supporting the struggle of Cyprus, so that when he visits the island again he will be able to visit Famagusta.
In his speech, Patriarch Kirill said that he vividly remembers the beautiful city of Famagusta, when he visited Cyprus in 1970. He also referred to the Holy Church of Apostle Varnavas in Famagusta and the three monks that he then met.
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia wished that during his next visit to Cyprus he will be able to officiate a service at the occupied Cathedral Church of Ayios Nikolaos, in a free Famagusta.
He also said that he will continue to help so that the problem of the refugees in Cyprus will be solved.
After the service, Patriarch Kirill attended a lunch, hosted by Bishop Vasilios.
On Sunday, the Archbishop Chrysostomos and Patriarch Kirill will officiate a service at Agia Sofia Church in Nicosia and on Monday a liturgy at Apostle Varnavas Church in Dasoupoli.
Patriarch Kirill will meet President of the Republic Demetris Christofias on Monday before departing in the afternoon.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
The fenced-off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta – called Varosha – was abandoned by its lawful inhabitants, as they fled the advancing Turkish troops.
Varosha remains since 1974 a sealed area, a ghost town, since the Turkish army does not allow visitors or the lawful inhabitants of the area to visit it.