Greek Cypriot Church issues anti-Turkish rhetoric: “Both federation and two states mean the end of Hellenism”
Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios has argued that both a federal solution and a two-state model in Cyprus are unacceptable, claiming they threaten the future of Hellenism on the island.
According to reports in both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot media, Archbishop Georgios made the remarks in a Christmas message addressing the Cyprus issue. He stated that a permanent solution could only be achieved through the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus, firmly rejecting a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, confederation, or a two-state solution.
Describing these proposals as “national euthanasia,” Georgios argued that such models fail to safeguard the fundamental rights and future of the Greek Cypriot community. He stressed that the Greek Cypriot side should not accept any compromise that would weaken its existence, adding that any settlement must fully guarantee the rights enjoyed by all European Union citizens.
According to Cyprus Times, Georgios claimed that a two-state solution would lead to “national euthanasia” and alleged that Türkiye is pursuing a “methodical effort” to take control of the entire island and “Turkify” it. He also pointed to internal dynamics within Greek Cypriot society, noting a decline in both the willingness to fight and expectations of returning to the north, which he said demonstrates the entrenchment of division on the island.
“The national cause is in decay”
Turning to domestic issues, the Archbishop argued that the national cause in southern Cyprus is undergoing serious moral and political decay. He cited rising crime, corruption, murders, fraud, theft, and violence as factors disrupting daily life, claiming that such conditions prevent Greek Cypriot society from sustaining a struggle for national survival.
Georgios further asserted that Christian values have lost their influence in public life, signaling moral and social decline. He also criticized the appointment of unqualified individuals to public office, describing it as a “return to political primitivism.”
Harsh criticism of crossings to the north
The Archbishop also strongly criticized Greek Cypriots who cross into Northern Cyprus, arguing that these visits are no longer made for pilgrimage to sacred or historical sites but rather for entertainment, dining, and economic activity. He described this trend as a sign of “national self-awareness deficiency and a tendency toward submission.”
Warning against “false optimism”
Commenting on political developments in the north, Georgios warned against optimistic expectations surrounding the election of Tufan Erhürman. He claimed that no Turkish Cypriot leader can deviate from Ankara’s strategic line or alter the parameters of a settlement, arguing that such expectations could create new pressure on the Greek Cypriot side to make concessions.
“We must rely on our own means”
Concluding his message, Georgios called for renewed efforts to ensure the survival of Hellenism, which he said has existed in Cyprus for thousands of years. While acknowledging the importance of alliances, he emphasized that in an increasingly unpredictable international environment, Cyprus must primarily rely on its own resources.
He also addressed displaced persons, expressing hope that efforts toward resolving the Cyprus issue would intensify in 2026.
