Metropolitan of Austria visits Archbishop of Cyprus during pilgrimage
A group of Orthodox pilgrims from the Holy Metropolis of Austria-Hungary and Central Europe of the Ecumenical Patriarchate embarked on a six-day pilgrimage to explore monasteries, churches, and historical sites across Cyprus.
Led by His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria and Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe, the group was warmly received by His Beatitude Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus. Accompanying Metropolitan Arsenios are His Grace Bishop Paisios of Apamea, Protosyncellus Archimandrite Maximos Rudk, Hierarchical Vicar Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Father Ioannis Nikolitsis, and other members of the clergy.
During a private meeting between Archbishop Georgios, Metropolitan Arsenios, Bishop Paisios, and the clergy, commemorative gifts were exchanged. Archbishop Georgios addressed the visitors from Austria, highlighting the ongoing danger Cyprus faces due to the Turkish occupation and the unyielding stance of Ankara, which has left the Cyprus problem unresolved for half a century. He appealed for assistance in finding a peaceful and viable solution that respects the rights of all Cypriot citizens.
In response, Metropolitan Arsenios expressed gratitude for the meeting and Archbishop Georgios’s remarks. He emphasised that the visit was made possible with the blessing of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who sends his fraternal wishes to His Beatitude Archbishop Georgios. The Metropolitan conveyed his person feelings and emotions and of the entire group as they tread upon the sanctified and martyred soil of Cyprus.
Subsequently, Metropolitan Arsenios and the Austrian Orthodox Pilgrims were welcomed by His Grace Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria to explore the Archdiocese of Cyprus. They toured various sites, including the residence of the late Archbishop Makarios III and the new Cathedral of the Apostle Barnabas, a project initiated by the late Archbishop Chrysostomos II.
The pilgrimage group also visited the old Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, renowned for its excellent frescoes dating back to the 17th century.
Source: Church of Cyprus
