Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus was welcomed by America’s Greeks and Cypriots, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 6pm on Tuesday afternoon, with a touching reception, where the bells were ringing “as it is appropriate for the head of the Autocephalus Church of Cyprus, which attributes its autocephaly to the Third Ecumenical Council”, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America characteristically said.
Hierarchs, priests, local lords, representatives of the State, young men and women, received with prayers the Primate of the Church of Cyprus.
With respect, the Archbishop of America addressed Archbishop Chrysostomos. As he emphasized, “today is a great day for our city, because not just a great First Hierarch of the Orthodox Church is visiting it, but the head of an Autocephalous Church, of the Church of Cyprus, of a great island and church that have martyred.
He also added that the Ecumenical Patriarch had contacted the Archbishop of America, ordering the Archbishop of Cyprus to be accepted “as our beloved Cyprus and the Primate of such a Church deserve.”
“Know that our prayers are powerful and we are confident that the Lord will hear them and restore your health completely because you are valuable not only for Cyprus, not only for Hellenism, but for all Orthodoxy.”
For his part, the Archbishop of Cyprus thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros for the reception and the Ecumenical Patriarch. He also said that Greek and Cypriot expats had always been supportive to Greece and Cyprus.
As he explained, “On our own, without our Motherland, we can do nothing. I understand that we are small and weak. And unfortunately, the greedy thirst of Turkey will not allow us to come up with an honest solution in order to live well with the Turkish Cypriots, who have spent with us centuries of happines and joy.”
He also stated that the people of Cyprus “love our (Ecumenical) Patriarchate” and that when he visits Constantinople, he is always moved. “The word Constantinople, the words Ecumenical Patriarchate, the words Patriarch and Hagia Sophia, cannot be spoken by a Cypriot without tears. And myself, whenever I visit the Patriarchate, Hagia Sophia, I cannot hold back my tears.”
Source: Church of Cyprus
