Cypriot Orthodox Archbishop to Seek Help of Jordanian King

Archbishop Chrysostomos II (Demetriou) of the Cypriot Orthodox Church will reportedly return to Jordan next week to request the help of King Abdullah II in gaining permission from Northern Cypriot authorities for Cypriot Orthodox clergy to serve the Divine Liturgy in Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus' abandoned churches and monasteries. In recent discussions between Cypriot and Northern Cypriot authorities the Church of Cyprus acquiesced to Northern Cyprus' request that imams be allowed to lead services in mosques in Cyprus proper, but Northern Cyprus refused to reciprocate in allowing Cypriot Orthodox clergy to visit the Turkish zone of occupation. More here.

Unrest Embroils Cyprus

Cyprus has been embroiled in unrest following an explosion that killed 13 people and knocked out the country's main power plant. A recent government agreement with Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus to buy electricity from the island's north until the damaged power plant can be brought back online has deepened public protests against the Cypriot government, with Archbishop Chrysostomos II (Demetriou) of the Cypriot Orthodox Church saying that he would prefer to "make do with a torch" than use electricity supplied by Northern Cyprus. More here.

Northern Cyprus Replaces Historic Church with Hotel

Northern Cyprus has demolished a church in the Turkish-occupied territory dedicated to St. Thecla to allow for the construction of a hotel. More (in Greek) here.

Turks Arrest Cypriot Orthodox Metropolitan and MEPS in Famagusta

Turkish troops in northern Cyprus have arrested Metropolitan Porphyrios of Neapolis of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and members of the European Parliament during their visit to a church in Famagusta. More here.

Cypriot Turks Protest Ankara

Residents of Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus have launched protests against austerity measures to be introduced by the Turkish government that they believe will cause mass unemployment on the island. More here.

Cypriot Orthodox Archbishop Calls for Turkish Withdrawal

In an interview with the Turkish-language newspaper Milliyet, Archbishop Chrysostomos II (Demetriou) of the Cypriot Orthodox Church has stated that he believes the division of Cyprus could be ended immediately were the Turkish government to withdraw its soldiers from the island and give Cyprus' Greeks and Turks the freedom necessary to restore the unity of Cyprus. More here.

Boy George Returns Icon to Cypriot Orthodox Church

The Cypriot Orthodox Church recently thanked singer Boy George for returning an 18th century icon of Christ stolen following the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. Boy George had owned the icon since buying it at an auction in 1985, but agreed to return it to Cyprus when presented with proof of its origins and theft. More here.

Nativity Services Disrupted in Turkish-Occupied Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriot regime occupying the northern third of the island has been criticized in the European Union for disrupting the celebrations on new style Nativity in one of the few remaining Cypriot Orthodox churches in the north of the island permitted to hold services. More here.