DEPUTIES yesterday proposed a way out in the looming conflict over the building of a giant church that would dwarf the 500-year old Nicosia landmark chapel of Ayia Paraskevi.
They proposed building the new larger church on an adjacent plot right next to the Central Bank, overlooking Kennedy Avenue. The vacant lot used to be offices for Cyprus Airways.
DISY MP Christos Stylianides told the House Interior Committee the idea was presented to Church officials, some of whom had warmed to it – such as the secretariat of the Ayia Paraskevi chapel – while others were not as keen.
“Of course the people deserve and need a place of worship, but not at the expense of ruining a site which is of great symbolic value,” he said.
Stylianides told the Mail that whereas the paperwork for the town planning permit is in order – all proper procedures were followed – the real question is why the involved agencies had consented to the project in the first place.
“We’ve heard for example that the majority of the members of the Environment Agency had misgivings…so how do you go from that to approving the scheme?”
And committee member Nicos Tornaritis said the onus was on the various governmental departments to explain why the permit was issued:
“It would appear that the decision [to issue a town planning permit] was based on the broad discretionary powers of certain officials,” he said, without elaborating.
Greens deputy George Perdikis said the initial negative report by the Environment Agency was subsequently amended, allowing for the new church to get the go-ahead.
“It looks like in the meantime someone or something interceded …the grace of God?” he quipped.
According to Perdikis, the Interior Minister could now ask for the permit to be revoked based on the fact the permit was granted based on insufficient or inaccurate data.
The Environment Agency report, compiled in early 2009 was circulated yesterday by Environment Commissioner Charalambos Theopemptou.
In the preliminary environmental impact report, the agency cited “concerns” over the project, noting the new cathedral would further exacerbate traffic congestion in the area and increase noise pollution, and voiced concerns over the preservation of antiquities in the area.
One of the oldest churches in Nicosia, Ayia Paraskevi is tucked into the corner of a sizeable plot of land next to the Central Bank building and overlooked by the large head offices of the Bank of Cyprus. It is surrounded by numerous office and apartment buildings and the grounds of a nearby hotel.
Archaeological digs at the site have uncovered the remains of a series of monks’ cells dated to the early 20th century. The 500-year-old chapel lies in an archaeological zone.
The report questioned the “absolute necessity” for a new church, and called on the applicant – the Archbishopric – to prove its case.
The new church will measure 20 by 12 metres and will have a capacity for 200 people. There will be an underground parking (18 spaces) and additional parking space around the courtyard. Provisions have been made for a green area.
“The existing old church is a landmark in the area, and its low building ratio contrasts pleasantly with the high-rise building of the [surrounding] commercial banks and office buildings,” the agency observed in its report.
In addition, the agency was worried about a possible risk to the foundations of the chapel as a result of the vibrations created by the construction works.
Ecclesiastical authorities say a larger church is needed to cater to the needs of local parishioners. But the report casts doubt on the argument, noting that there are three other churches within a short distance (Ayios Nikolaos, Ayios Dimitrios and Ayios Nektarios).
The Town Planning Department has issued a permit for the new church, and the Strovolos municipality has no choice now but to give the green light for construction. Reportedly, Town Planning had cleared the project with the Antiquities Department.
A group opposing the decision held a protest at the chapel’s courtyard on Sunday following liturgy. The group, which can also be found on social network Facebook, has so far received the support of some 4,000 people.
