SAN FRANCISCO – Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Franciso issued and encyclical message on the 50th dark anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkey. He also urges all the parishes of his Metropolis to offer Memorial Services for those who lost their lives as a result of the Turkish atrocities.

The full text of the Metropolitan’s message follows:

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord…”

Hebrews 12:14

On July 20 we remember the 50th Commemoration of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus, a dark day in history, and one that continues to impact the people of this beautiful land. Though many efforts have been made over these past five decades, there is still aggression from Turkish forces, and Cyprus remains divided with no end to this conflict in sight which began in 1974.

I would ask that all parishes in the Metropolis of San Francisco offer a Memorial Service in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 21. Consul General of Cyprus, Archon Andreas Kyprianides, has organized a Memorial Service at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, July 21 and I will preside over a Memorial Service that same day at the Nativity of Christ Church in Novato, CA.

Let us call to mind our brothers and sisters in Northern Cyprus who are still suffering, lifting them up in prayer, and seeking peace and justice for their homeland through the Lord’s wisdom and mercy. We will never forget them as they endure this injustice, and we must continue to honor them with our prayers as well as with our ongoing commitment for a just and viable resolution and the restoration of their deserved freedom.

With Love in Christ,

+Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco