Archbishop of Cyprus: Hellenism is going through a difficult period

Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus. Photo: screenshot from an interview with OPEN TV

Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus. Photo: screenshot from an interview with OPEN TV

On March 6, 2026, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus said that the Greek world is passing through a difficult period amid rising tensions in the Middle East and recent incidents near the British military bases at Akrotiri in Cyprus. He made the statement in an interview with the Greek television channel OPEN.

According to the primate of the Church of Cyprus, the current developments are causing concern in government circles, although the island has not at this point been drawn directly into active hostilities. “For now, there is an uneasy calm,” the Archbishop said, commenting on the regional situation.

Speaking about Cyprus’s security, Archbishop Georgios stressed the importance of support from Greece. He recalled the arrival of two Greek frigates and four F-16 fighter jets, and expressed hope for continued cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, including the possible revival of the Unified Defence Doctrine that had previously been in force between the two countries.

The head of the Church of Cyprus added that Cyprus cannot face the threats in the region alone. “It is difficult to confront the danger posed to us by Turkey on our own. We need the support of Greece and of Hellenism throughout the world,” he said, thanking the government, the Church, and the people of Greece for their support.

It should be noted that earlier, unidentified drones twice attacked the British military base at Akrotiri in southern Cyprus. One drone exploded on the base’s territory, causing minimal damage, while two others were intercepted by air defence systems. According to the Cypriot authorities, the drones may have been launched from Lebanon and were likely linked to the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

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