Find below the message from the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.
This year marks sixty years since the establishment of the Democracy of Cyprus, which followed the end of the Cypriot struggle for independence. It is justified, then, that all Cypriots wherever they are in the world recall in their minds this event and celebrate it with pride and dignity.
We are grateful to all those who struggled and sacrificed themselves for Cyprus. We are indebted and grateful to all those who have served the Democracy of Cyprus throughout the course of its 60 years of life within any post or status.
We wholeheartedly greet and warmly congratulate all those who continue to serve Cyprus and its people with vigilance, pride, devotion, honour, love, strength and dignity. Furthermore, we are grateful to all those who comprise the group of the friends of Cyprus and participate in the defence and safeguarding of the rights and entitlements of Cyprus.
Despite the small size of the country, its history, its position, the dynamism of its hardworking people, its hydrocarbon resources, its being a member of the EU, and its presence in the international forum, make Cyprus a known and an important factor in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As the Archdiocese, we glorify the triune God for its existence and offering, and we pray for the strengthening and illumination from God for its leaders, that they may reach a vital and lasting solution for the Cyprus problem with the full support of the international community. We trust and hope that through sincere dialogue, humility and conscientiousness the rights of the island will be protected, and that Cyprus will continue proudly and undoubtedly its way for the benefit of all its people.
By the directive of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas,
With best wishes and blessings,
† Athanasios of Tropaeou
1st October 2020
