Outrage over Apostolos Andreas entry fee

THERE WAS outrage yesterday after it was revealed that the Bishop of Karpasia was made to pay an entry fee to visit the Apostolos Andreas monastery in the north.

On Tuesday, the Bishop paid a visit to the historic site to inspect the church before planned renovations begin. Upon his arrival, he found Turkish forces had closed the entrance and were asking a €1 entry fee.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on his departure for Athens yesterday, Archbishop Chrysotomos said that “unfortunately things at the Apostolos Andreas monastery are becoming harder”.

The Archbishop added, “this is an unacceptable situation, we deplore it,” noting that on his return from Athens he would be complaining to the UN and Europe. “[The occupation forces] should not prevent the Christians from going on a pilgrimage.”

“They should permit our Christians to visit places of worship, carry out their religious duties without difficulties or obstacles,” he pointed out.

He assured that “we will not tolerate this situation” and that the government has not imposed an entrance fee on any mosque in the government controlled areas, which it maintains at state expense.

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou characterised the act as “unacceptable”.

“We are talking about places of worship and these issues are very sensitive. In final analysis this is also another side effect from the fact that occupation exists.”