Source: The National Herald
BOSTON – His Beatitude Archbishop Georgios of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, in an interview with The National Herald, spoke openly and dynamically about the state of the Cyprus issue. He noted that the New Year finds the situation “not just stagnant,” but, after half a century, said, “we are worse off because we made concessions that the Turks demanded every time.”
He discussed the revival of the unified defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, stating, “the goals of Turkey are the same. both in Greek territory and in Cyprus.”
Regarding the division currently affecting the Orthodox Church worldwide, he aligned with two other primates, His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece and His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria. In their recent interviews with The National Herald, they emphasized that “something must be done; this situation cannot continue.”
Archbishop Georgios also addressed the scandals that have been made public regarding the Avakoum Monastery.
The full interview follows:
National Herald: Thank you, Your Beatitude, for your willingness to speak with us. What is the state of Cyprus as the New Year begins?
Archbishop Georgios: I believe Cyprus is in the same state it has been in for some time now. The Turks, unimpeded, are advancing their objectives while we are unable, either openly or covertly, to put up the resistance that we should. We are left to simply observe events unfold. For years now, both the leadership and the people have accepted the idea that because Turkey is a larger country and supposedly more powerful, we cannot oppose it. Thus, we accept whatever proposals they make, leading us from one concession to another.
I believe that with the New Year – band every day – we must make the decision that needs to be made. That decision is to demand, as a member state of the United Nations and the European Union, the same rights for our people that all free nations and all EU citizens enjoy. These include the freedom to move everywhere, to settle anywhere in Europe, and to acquire property freely. Why should we not enjoy the right to our own property, our own homes, and be unable to return to them in our own country?
TNH: Half a century has passed since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and as you mentioned, we remain in a state of stagnation…
Archbishop Georgios: No, we are in a worse state because we have made concessions that the Turks demanded each time. They set a goal, and once we meet their demand, they present a larger one. Gradually, we have satisfied all their demands without them making even the slightest concession.
Photo Church of Greece
TNH: Where does Greece fit into this?
Archbishop Georgios: Greece supports us and stands by us, but that is not enough. Together with our governments, we must organize a unified defense. As was the case during a certain period with the unified defense doctrine of Greece and Cyprus. Since Turkey’s objectives are the same both in Greek territory and in Cyprus, we should present unified resistance. Together, without disagreements or differing interpretations of our problems, we must present a united front against Turkey’s insatiable appetite.
TNH: Why hasn’t this happened, Your Beatitude? What is holding back your President?
Archbishop Georgios: I have the impression that Greece feels it has other priorities, such as safeguarding the entirety of Greek territory and protecting the islands. However, this does not mean it neglects its own space; on the contrary, it will defend its territory and ours. Often, we are deceived by Turkey’s so-called proposals for good neighborly relations. If Turkey manages to isolate us from the rest of the Greek body, it will take Cyprus first and then move on to other parts of Hellenism. Our leadership must make a decisive choice – it is a matter of life and death. Cyprus is the last stronghold of Hellenism. If Cyprus falls, Turkey’s hunger will not be sated; it will seek Greek territory next.
TNH: Do you discuss these matters with the President of Cyprus? Have you expressed your concerns to him?
Photo: Church of Cyprus
Archbishop Georgios: Of course, we discuss them, and we present our views. Naturally, he has the responsibility to reassure the international community of our willingness to negotiate. But I believe he fully understands Turkey’s goals and intentions and knows that Turkey’s ultimate aim is the Turkification of the entire island of Cyprus.
Now, we are trying to counter this politically. He believes that with this activity and by garnering international interest in the Cyprus issue, we can achieve better outcomes. I have the impression, however, that we are not making progress; instead, we are being tied down by additional concessions.
TNH: Your Beatitude, with that said, as of Monday, January 20, America has a new president, Donald Trump. Do you expect anything from him?
Archbishop Georgios: We always expect the leading nation of the free world to uphold the values of freedom, to stand by its allies, and to not consider Greece and Cyprus as given or guaranteed allies. They should look at what is just. I expect this sense of justice to be upheld by the United States as well.
TNH: How has the presence of the Turks changed Cyprus socially, religiously, and culturally?
Archbishop Georgios: The first thing it has done is to Turkify 40% of our territory. The occupied part is continuously being Turkified. They have not allowed the indigenous inhabitants to remain there; they have driven them out, brought in settlers, and Turkified the area. Moreover, the pressure they exert on the free part of Cyprus has also led to some changes in our own behavior.
TNH: Do you think the younger generation cares, or has it come to terms with the situation?
Archbishop Georgios: They care. It is our responsibility to bring to life what they feel, even subconsciously. Let us not forget that it is always the younger generation that has fought the liberation struggles.
TNH: Your Beatitude, in what condition does the New Year find the Church of Cyprus?
Archbishop Georgios: I think the Church is always vigilant, and each New Year, each new beginning, is an opportunity to renew our hopes and efforts for something better.
TNH: Would you comment on the issues being publicized about the Avakoum Monastery?
Archbishop Georgios: Scandals are inherent in the life of the Church. The Church is both a divine and a human institution. On the human side, there are scandals and falls. We must distinguish between the institution and individuals. There has been a failure by certain individuals, and the Church strives to heal this fall, lead them to repentance, and help the people heal their wounds.