On Sunday 5th February 2017, on the occasion of the feast of St. Maroun, His Excellency The Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Youssef Soueif concelebrated the Solemn Holy Mass with His Excellency Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto the Apostolic Nuncio in Cyprus, in the presence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nicos Anastasiades at the Cathedral of our Lady of Graces.
Present were also the Representative of H.B. Archbishop Chrisostomos II, the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem , all the priests of the Eparchy, the Representative of the Maronite Community in the House of Parliament, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Leaders of Political Parties, Mayors, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government, Army and Police Officials, Religious Orders, enclave people from the Maronite villages and many faithful. A particular delegation from Lebanon, the Maronite League, the Maronite Council, the Maronite Foundation for the Diaspora, participated as well and their presence showed the strong ties between Lebanon and Cyprus.
In his message Archbishop Soueif referred to the hard times faced by today’s societies and quoted Jesus words of encouragement that can spread hope. He said:
“In a time where everything is in doubt, in dispute and denial, where walls are built among people instead of bridges, where nationalism, fanaticism, terrorism, xenophobia, intolerance and a crisis of principles and values exist, in a time when humanity is conquered by anger and rage, anguish and fear for today and tomorrow, Jesus Christ’s words of comfort come to heal our souls and our minds:
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Marc 6/50)
Jesus is indeed with us, among us, walking beside us. Barriers and borders are eliminated by His eternal words that overflow us with hope. The revival of the universal fundamental principles and values, the promotion of the culture of love, peace, reconciliation and co existence between peoples and religions is indeed our hope, the hope of the entire world. Society today looks desperately for workers of love, of mutual respect, of peace makers. Workers that reject social exclusion, discrimination, terrorism, violence and introversion and who attain the future with optimism, with a vision, ready to serve equality, fraternity, justice, tolerance, solidarity, human dignity and who support the vulnerable, the poor and the marginalised.”
He then continued addressing the President:
“At this point, I would like to greet the courageous leadership of Your Excellency the President of the Republic, who through the continuation of the talks with Mr Akkinci, you look forward to the re- unification of our country in a just, viable, peaceful and lasting solution. We are fully supporting your efforts and pray to God that they bear fruit for the good of all the people of Cyprus especially of the new generations to come.
Cyprus can be an enviable example at the crossroads of cultures and religions and through unity in diversity, it can transmit its own message of peace and prosperity, its principles and values of co existence and co creation and it can illuminate our wider troubled region.
Our community seeks anxiously the preservation of its identity, its land, the land of our fathers and ancestors, our churches and monasteries. We invoke your help to assist the Maronite community in the return to our villages Ayia Marina, Assomatos, Karpasha and Kormakitis under the dynamic program of the “Confidence Building Measures” that prepare the real human ground for the reunification of our Island. Our younger generations need to return to our villages and get to know their roots and land, otherwise they are at a risk of extinction and assimilation”.
The Maronite Archbishop welcomed very cordially the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto,
who is completing this year his diplomatic and pastoral mission and by his presence as the representative of Pope Francis and the Holy See, demonstrates the constant ties of friendship and the spiritual values that Cyprus shares with the Vatican. He thanked him for his service witnessing the values of love and peace.
Archbishop Soueif in communion with the Patriarch H.B. Cardinal Mar Bechara Botros Rai and the Holy Synod of the Maronite Church announced the proclamation of a Holy Jubilee Year of “Martyrdom and Martyrs” which will commence on the feast of St Maroun and be concluded on the 2nd March 2018 on the feast of St John Maroun the first Patriarch of our Maronite Church.
In his own speech the President of the Republic of Cyprus referred to the respect and care his government shows to the Maronite community and revealed in the most clear way that during the Talks he has placed as strongly possible, the claims of the Maronites for the return to their villages and the land of their ancestors. President Anastasiades referred also to the current situation of the political problem and the on-going talks, expressing his determination and will to work hard for the common good of all the inhabitants of the island.
