Cypriot metropolitan accuses Turkey of destroying Orthodox holy sites

Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Ammochostos of the Church of Cyprus. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

On July 1, 2025, Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Ammochostos of the Church of Cyprus addressed the European Parliament about the large-scale destruction of Orthodox holy sites in the part of Cyprus occupied by Turkey, reports Orthodoxia News Agency.

Metropolitan Vasilios spoke during a conference dedicated to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the island’s northern territories, which have been under Turkish occupation since 1974.

He presented data confirming the scale of the destruction. According to him, over the years of occupation, 25 churches have been destroyed or severely damaged, 24 churches have been converted into warehouses, 17 are used as stables, 16 have been turned into mosques, and another 21 churches have been completely demolished or have collapsed.

In addition, he stated that thousands of icons have been stolen, sacred vessels have disappeared, and Orthodox cemeteries have been desecrated and looted.

“This is not destruction by time. It is a deliberate attempt to erase our memory and identity,” the Metropolitan declared from the podium of the European Parliament.

He also sharply condemned Turkey’s position and highlighted the inaction of European institutions: “We are not asking Europe to fight for us. We are asking it to defend its own values – dignity, memory, freedom, and the rule of law.”

Particular attention was given to the city of Varosha, which has remained closed since 1974. After its partial reopening in 2020 under Turkish control, a number of churches were placed at risk of collapse, and many have already been destroyed.

The Metropolitan also pointed out Turkey’s demand that the Republic of Cyprus pay for the restoration of the Monastery of Saint Anastasius in the village of Peristeronopigi – even as the Metropolis of Constantia is prohibited from holding services there.

Participants in the conference emphasized that the destruction of Christian holy sites has continued for 51 years without proper international assessment or response.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Archbishop of Cyprus had forbidden Metropolitan Tychikos from celebrating services.

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