On Sunday, July 21, 2024, a solemn Divine Liturgy took place at St. George’s Cathedral in Stockholm, presided over by Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis and Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia. The service was graced by the presence of Mr. Solon Savva, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Sweden.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was held to honor the victims of the Cypriot tragedy. Ambassador Solon Savva addressed the congregation, emphasizing Cyprus’s dedication to finding a solution based on the UN’s parameters for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. He stressed the importance of one sovereignty, one international personality, and one citizenship as crucial elements for resolving the Cyprus issue, stating, “We are committed to working within the agreed parameters of the UN for a solution. These are internationally recognized principles that are non-negotiable in the quest for a resolution to the Cyprus problem. And it is within these parameters that we will continue to progress.”
Metropolitan Cleopas also shared words, underscoring the significance of the Gospel passage read during the service and reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the tragic events in Cyprus. He expressed hope that adherence to International Law would lead to a resolution that would reunify Cyprus. He offered prayers for peace, reconciliation, and prosperity for all the people of Cyprus.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
