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GreekReporter.comGreek NewsCyprusΤhousands of Orthodox Worshippers Flock to Famagusta

Τhousands of Orthodox Worshippers Flock to Famagusta

ΑΜΜΟΧΩΣΤΟΣ - ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ ΕΞΟΡΙΝΟΥ - ΠΕΡΙΦΟΡΑ ΕΠΙΤΑΦΙΟΥThousands of Greek Cypriots, most refugees, flocked to the Ayios Giorgos Exorinos church in Famagusta where they attended a Good Friday service at their historical place of worship for the first time in decades.
The service, the first since 1957 at the church in the medieval town, should send a message of hope and reunification, said leaders of both major parties AKEL and DISY on their way to the thronged church and its courtyard.
More than 4,000 people attended the service that started at around 5pm and was set to run for three and a half hours.
The organisers said that around 3,000 people reserved a bus seat but a lot of people just travelled there by car. The church was visited not only by Famagustians but also by other refugees as well as people who just wanted to witness the historic event including foreign ambassadors.
Volunteers began arriving at the church from 5.30am to decorate the ‘Epitaphios’, which symbolises the body of Christ in Orthodox tradition.
The service was broadcast live on all TV channels and by some foreign media.
Many of those attending the service were too emotional too speak to the television cameras but those who did, sent a message of hope and reconciliation.
Alexis Galanos, the Greek Cypriot mayor-in-exile of the sprawling coastal city, said this week he hoped the Good Friday service can be a precursor to lasting peace.
“It gives a message of reconciliation and cooperation of Greek and Turkish Cypriots throughout Cyprus, and particularly for a reunified Famagusta,” he said.
The church lies within the walled city of Famagusta, which is at very close proximity to the fenced off area of Famagusta, known as Varosha.
The church building is now used by a local Turkish Cypriot university as an arts workshop.
(source: cyprus-mail)

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