The Archbishop said that image promoted abroad in relation to the epitaph service in the church of St. George Exorinos in occupied Famagusta is not true, since it “presents the Turks as being democratic, with love and respect towards the sacred beliefs of our people.”

The Archbishop agreed with the Bishop of Paphos that the incident was exploited by the Turkish side for political gain, particularly through the satellite broadcasting of the liturgy.

The liturgy – as he said – was held only in one temple and he noted that, if the Turks allowed us to go to other temples as well “we would also promote the news and say thank you and well done” but, he added, this has not happened yet. It’s something, he said, just not what we are asking for. Asked on whether with our own behavior we become instruments of Turkish propaganda he replied “definitely”.