Archimandrite Augustinos Kkaras: Agia Paraskevi in ​​occupied Kato Varosi is in a "deplorable state" (PHOTO)

The church of Agia Paraskevi in ​​occupied Kato Varosi needs complete renovation and maintenance, since it is in a poor condition, said Archimandrite Augustinos Karras

E702D747 5A29 430E B04A F95393984939 exclusive

The church of Agia Paraskevi in ​​the occupied Kato Varosi needs complete renovation and maintenance, since it is in a deplorable condition, Archimandrite Augustinos Karras, Protosignal of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia - Famagusta, told KYPE.

He added that "for the first time in 2015, a few days before the feast of Agia Paraskevi, volunteers of the "Ammochostos our City" Group proceeded to clean the church, which is probably the oldest in the city of Varosia, together with the church of St. Panteleimon in the parish of Agios Loukas Famagusta and Agios Georgios of Faranga".

Over the years, he continued, "the temple surrendered to the ravages of time and looting, as a result of which the roof fell" while he said that the Bi-Community Technical Committee of Cultural Heritage, at the request of the Metropolitan of Constantia - Famagusta Vassiliou, visited the site, assessed the monument and "the study for the restoration of the site has already been done".

In response to a related question, Mr. Karras said that "the Bi-Community Technical Committee proceeded with cleaning both inside and around the temple, while it was also fenced off. Now we are in the phase where the works on the temple will begin." He noted that "a part of the money for the maintenance of the church will be found by the Bi-Community Technical Committee of Cultural Heritage, while the rest of the money will be collected by us, the people of Famagusta".

He explained that "the temple needs a complete renovation, since all the necessary provisions must be made internally with regard to the humidity and the damage it has suffered over the years. The walls of the temple still need to be preserved because it is ancient and this specific work must be done very carefully, while we will also proceed with the restoration of the roof."

Answering a related question, the Archimandrite said that "it is a duty and a sacred duty not to let our monuments throughout the island be demolished and lost to the wear and tear of time, and much more so those that are in the occupied territories. All the ancient monuments and temples are testimony to the presence of Hellenism and Christianity in our world".

At the same time, he referred to the liturgy held in 2015 at the church of Agia Paraskevi, after the completion of the visit to Saint George the Exile, in the occupied city of Famagusta within the walls, while he said that over the years they visited the church at other times. "Now the temple is in a deplorable state and we must do everything possible to maintain it," he added.

We are trying, he continued, "with all our strength to collect the necessary funds to carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance of the church of Agia Paraskevi. Upon completion of the work, we will submit an application through the United Nations, in order to be given permission to celebrate the Divine Liturgy."

Archimandrite Augustinos Karras also mentioned that various events are being held in the effort to collect money. One of them will take place on Friday, September 30 at 7.30:XNUMX p.m., Mikri Salamina, in Fasoula, and is organized by the Diocese of Constantia - Famagusta, the Group "Famagusta our City" and with the support of the Municipality of Famagusta, he added. The entrance is free and there will be volunteers from both the Metropolis and the "Ammochostos our City" Group, so that everyone can make the contribution they want, he said, concluding by saying that "if we all give a little money then we will achieve what we desire".

85C6F511 B673 4114 852B 790BDAF764A6 exclusive

Source: KYPE