Two 14th-century Byzantine icons stolen following the Turkish invasion of 1974 have been returned to Cyprus after being located in the United Kingdom.
The icons depict the Evangelists Matthew and Mark and originate from the Church of Panagia Phorviotissa at Asinou, according to the Metropolis of Morphou.
Before the invasion, they had been transferred to the premises of the Metropolis of Kyrenia, from where they were subsequently stolen.
Their return was secured after their movements were documented and the Church of Cyprus’ legal rights were recognised. The holder sought no compensation, allowing the icons to be handed over to the Metropolis of Morphou at no financial cost.
The Metropolis described their return, more than half a century after their removal, as significant for Cyprus’ religious and cultural heritage.
It said the icons represented more than valuable works of art, carrying the island’s faith, history and collective memory.
Two other icons from the same series, depicting the Apostles Peter and Paul, were repatriated from New York in 2007.
The series also includes a surviving icon of Christ Pantocrator. The icons of the Mother of God, St John the Forerunner and the Evangelists John the Theologian and Luke remain missing.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
Credit: Source photograph: Holy Metropolis of Morphou. Banner adapted using AI.