Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus addressed the 41st Conference of the Pancyprian Union of Greek Theologians on February 6, 2026, on the theme “The Continuing Calvary of Christians in the Middle East.” The Archbishop expressed his satisfaction with the choice of topic, noting that the conference aims “to raise awareness among our fellow human beings about the problem of the daily annihilation of Christianity from the geographical space of the Middle East.”
Referring to the role of theologians, he emphasized that “we consider theologians to be the closest collaborators of the shepherding Church,” congratulating them for their interest in ecclesiastical affairs and their service. At the same time, he stressed that “the prevalence of extreme fundamentalist elements… places the continued presence of Christians in their ancient homelands in immediate danger,” pointing out that “sacred places of our worship are being destroyed… and the basic human rights and religious freedoms of Christians are being brutally violated.”
The Archbishop noted that Christian populations in the region “amounted to about 20% until 1948… today… they have been reduced to a very small single-digit number,” and expressed his sorrow over Europe’s stance, saying that it is “disheartening… Europeans remain mere spectators.” Linking the issue to Cyprus, he recalled that “the Turks continue to illegally occupy 37% of our territory and a total of 520 of our churches.”
In conclusion, he stressed that the Church of Cyprus “raises a strong cry of protest and pain” and called on the leaders of powerful countries “to exercise their dynamic influence… with the aim of ensuring the prevalence everywhere of human rights and religious freedoms.” He then declared the opening of the Conference’s proceedings and wished it every success.
Source: Church of Cyprus, translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
