‘A glowing example’

Bartholomew showers praise on Nephytos for sermons at Ayios Mamas

ECUMENICAL Patriarch Bartholomew has congratulated the Bishop of Morphou for his policy of conciliation on the island and recent initiatives to re-open the Ayios Mamas church in the occupied north.

The words of praise for Neophytos came after a sermon presided over by the Patriarch at a Greek-Orthodox church in the Besiktas district of Istanbul.

“His efforts were rewarded with the holding of the religious ceremony at Ayios Mamas,” said the Patriarch, adding “These efforts have been applauded by the Greek Cypriots accompanying him there and by the Muslim brethren welcoming him.”

“The Bishop of Morphou sets a glowing example,” went on Bartholomew.

“Life has shown that dialogue, mutual respect and understanding, and attempts to overcome differences are the only means with which people can build on, for everyone’s sake.”

The 64-year-old Bartholomew, whose patriarchate lies in the Turkish heartland, is widely seen as a moderate in national affairs and an advocate of Greek-Turkish rapprochement
The kudos from Bartholomew, nominally the top figure in the Greek Orthodox Church, was seen as a major boost to the Morphou bishop, who came under fire at home for his pioneering act of conducting a sermon in the north after 30 years of separation and occupation.

Neophytos was accused of politicking by many quarters, including acting Church leader Chrysostomos, the bishop of Paphos. Similar allegations were made by politicians.
Criticism of, and support for, Neophytos were largely determined by people’s stance on the referendum, with the ‘no’ camp (to which the Paphos bishop belonged) launching scathing attacks at him.

In spite of this polemic — and a bomb explosion at the church days before the scheduled sermon — everything went smoothly, with Neophytos making what many considered an inspiring speech about peaceful existence between the two communities.