For the fifth consecutive year, the Epiphany was celebrated in occupied Famagusta.
In his greeting at the Church of Agios Georgios Exorinos, the Mayor of occupied Famagusta Simos Ioannou said that "today 's presence in the city shows that it is a universal right and a right of every person to perform their religious duties in the place where he was born and his ancestors and connects all the people of Varos ”.
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He added that since the people of Varos were allowed to celebrate the Epiphany in occupied Famagusta, "it is an opportunity to show our faith that we want to return, we have patience and we will star until the end. The presence of both the Mayor of occupied Famagusta, as well as the Municipal Council and organized groups is a proof that we will never, ever give up what belongs to us ".
As Mr. Ioannou said, "we always come here in peace" and noted that with dialogue and conversations will come that blessed day when we will all be able to officiate in our churches, in Agia Zoni, in Kato Varosi, in Agios Luke and in the Holy Trinity ".
At the same time, he assured everyone that "we will not give up and until our last breath we will fight" for return.
The Protosyggellos of the Diocese of Constantia - Famagusta, Archimandrite Augustinos Kkara, who officiated the Divine Liturgy, wished the whole world "Happy Birthday and the power of God to bring us back to the occupied territories".
At the same time, he wished the Mayor of occupied Famagusta Simos Ioannou, who for the first time as Mayor attends the Epiphany ceremony, "to be enlightened and strengthened by God and to work from his own position for the good return struggle".
The celebration of the Epiphany, which took place for the fifth consecutive year, was organized by the Holy Diocese of Constantia and Famagusta and the Initiative Group "Famagusta is our City".
The Divine Liturgy and the Great Sanctification of the Epiphanies in the presence of MPs, members of the Municipal Council of Famagusta and a crowd of people, were performed at the Church of St. George of Exile in the walled city of Famagusta, Κκαρά.
Then took place in the sea area "Glossa", the diving ceremony of the Holy Cross and the consecration of the waters with about twenty swimmers, to fall into the icy waters to retrieve the Cross.
To the first three swimmers who raised the Cross and to the Mayor of occupied Famagusta, Archimandrite Augustine gave as a gift an icon of St. George of Exile.
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