Archbishop Chrysostomos – Celebrations Marking 50 Years of Life as a Cleric
Archbishop Chrysostomos officiated at a church service on Sunday at his home village Tala, in the Paphos district, to mark 50 years since he entered priesthood.
He was joined by bishops from Greece and Cyprus and the service was held at the magnificent church (named after Jesus Christ\’s birth) which was built recently at the initiative of His Beatitude and with his personal attention and financial contribution.
After the service, the Archbishop inaugurated a multiple functions hall, part of the church complex, which will used mainly by the young people of the community. Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by local officials and state representatives, His Beatitude said he was realising a lifelong dream , and fulfilling a duty to his birthplace.
\’\’At this place, our youth will have the opportunity to organise cultural and other events in accordance with our traditions. Other people or groups may also use it to promote culture and spiritual advancement\’\’.
Adjacent to the hall is another room which will operate as a museum and a library.
Speaking during the church ceremony, Bishop Panteleimon of Koronia, Greece, outlined the archbishop\’s lifelong religious service and explained why he always spoke strongly on the island\’s national issue.
He said while Cyprus remained bleeding for so many years after the attack by Attila forces in 1974, no one, especially the Archbishop, could remain indifferent.
Referring to the Archbishop\’s concern about economic matters, bishop Panteleimon said Church property was sacred, it belonged to the people, and it was the duty of the Archbishop, acting in cooperation with the Holy Synod and his economic advisers, to manage it with prudence and reverence, and this is what His Beatitude was doing.
Speaking to newsmen later, His Beatitude said the Church was keenly interested in the fate of the Bank of Cyprus since it formed the backbone of the Cyprus economy.
\’\’Everyone must help so that the Bank can stand on its feet and achieve progress and growth, for the good of the country and our people. The Church will do its utmost in this respect\’\’, he added.
Asked about the problem that arose over the approval of BoC Board members by the Central Bank Governor, His Beatitude said \’\’All is well that ends well\’\’.
Referring to the German elections, the Archbishop expressed the hope that Angela Merkel would win another term as Chancellor and that she would be able to keep her promise to help Greece and Cyprus overcome their economic difficulties.
Celebrations marking 50 years of His Beatitude\’s life as a cleric will also be held in Nicosia on November 3, the anniversary of his being ordained as a deacon in 1963.
A.H.
