Vespers and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated in the chapel of Agia Marina in the buffer zone, next to the occupied beach of Deryneia. A large number of believers attended church and venerated the icon on the occasion of the feast of Agia Marina.
The Municipality of Paralimni-Dheryneia secured permission from the United Nations peacekeeping force to operate the chapel in the buffer zone.
In his statements, the Deputy Mayor of the Deryneia Municipality, Nikos Lilis, said that "we feel particularly happy to have the opportunity to perform in the chapel of Agia Marina, it is of great importance for the believers of the area. This is a historical and cultural site, but we certainly come to light a candle in a chapel that is located in the buffer zone and we can visit it once a year with the help of the UN."
At the same time, Father Andreas wished that next year we would celebrate Saint Marina freely without the protection of the UN.
It is noted that the Byzantine chapel will remain open for pilgrimage until 11:30 in the morning.
It is worth mentioning that two small churches of the same size (12th - 14th century) that are connected by passages today constitute the chapel of Agia Marina, which is located in the Dead Zone of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia. Under the church, in a cave, it is believed that holy water gushes out, with which sick children used to bathe in order to be cured. Next to the church there is the “palloura” (thorny bush) of Agia Marina.
See pictures:
