Pilgrims flock to buffer zone church

PILGRIMS yesterday flocked to the tiny buffer zone church of Ayia Marina to commemorate the saint’s feast day.

Residents of Dherynia village and the surrounding area made the annual pilgrimage to the 12th century church accompanied by Unficyp soldiers who have been organising the visit for the past seven years.

Because the church is so tiny the pilgrims were transported inside the buffer zone in small groups for a series of 10- minute services over a period of several hours.

The church was burned down during the invasion but later restored by the Antiquities Department.

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