Cyprus' Archbishop Georgious on Sunday called for unity and shared purpose among Greeks in his Easter message, stressing that Cyprus' liberation is necessary.
He warned that “if we stop fighting today and accept crucifixion, we will be led to our final national death”.
Referring to the message of the Resurrection of Christ, the Archbishop said it calls on people to recognise the value of life, understand their purpose, and shape their lives accordingly — “not as temporary beings, but as eternal ones, without fear of evil and death”.
Hardship is temporary
He added that the Resurrection also conveys a message of faith and perseverance in the struggle for higher ideals.
“Through His Resurrection, Christ assures us that at the end of every trial there is the victory of justice, redemption and vindication,” he said, drawing parallels between the life of Christ and the historical journey of the Greek nation.
“The history of our nation closely resembles the earthly life of Christ,” he said. “Over time, our nation has repeatedly ascended its own Golgotha, carrying the cross of harsh subjugation and suffering. Yet it has never remained on the cross, always moving towards resurrection with God’s help.”
He said that, for Greeks, the Resurrection has also taken on national significance, offering courage during difficult periods and reinforcing the belief that hardship is temporary and that victory will follow.
The Archbishop also referred to the 52 years of occupation in Cyprus, saying this should not discourage people, as the Resurrection “assures us that the day of our own resurrection will come”.
Hope for stronger Greek military presence
“Injustice cannot prevail forever,” he said, adding that this should be the response to those who have lost hope or speak of accepting current realities, including proposals that would effectively abandon the country’s land, heritage and history.
He warned against calls to “submit to our fate” or to legitimise what he described as the ongoing “crucifixion” of the country.
“For the success of our struggle, beyond unwavering faith in our goal — the liberation of our homeland — unity and consensus among all Greeks are essential,” he said.
The Archbishop also welcomed the recent arrival in Cyprus of two Greek naval frigates and four military aircraft, expressing hope that Greece’s presence would continue and strengthen, both in response to regional tensions and to what he described as the greater threat of ongoing Turkish occupation.
Elections
At the same time, he expressed the hope that wars and the loss of innocent lives would cease in the Middle East, Ukraineand across the world, and that peace and justice would prevail.
Referring to an outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus, he expressed sympathy and support for those affected and voiced hope that the country would soon be relieved of this hardship.
Ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, the Archbishop urged voters not to show “political immaturity”, calling on them to cast their votes for the most capable candidates rather than as a protest in favour of those lacking political understanding or concern for social issues.
“It is our duty to consider the functioning of institutions and the survival of our country after the elections,” he said, adding that voters should also reflect on how Cyprus is judged by those from whom it seeks support in its national struggle.