wfn.org | Archbishop Demetrios Begins Historic Visit to Republic of

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For Immediate Release
January 25, 2006

Archbishop Demetrios of America Begins Historic Visit to the Republic 
of Cyprus

Nicosia, Cyprus - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America 
arrived in Cyprus for a 6 day official	visit on January 25, 
2006.  Upon his arrival at the Larnaka Airport, he offered emotional 
words of gratitude to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos 
Papadopoulos for the invitation to visit and also to the Holy Synod 
of the Church of Cyprus.  The visit, which will take place from 
January 25 - 29, 2006, has historic significance because it marks the 
first visit of an Archbishop of America to Cyprus.

Archbishop Demetrios of America was welcomed at the airport by the 
Minister of Education and Culture Pefkios Georgiades.  Mr. 
Georgiades, speaking of behalf of President Papadopoulos, thanked 
Archbishop Demetrios for his previous and continued support for 
Cyprus and for the people of Cyprus.  Also greeting Archbishop 
Demetrios at the airport was the Presiding Hierarch of the Holy Synod 
of Cyprus Metropolitan Chrysostom of Paphos who also expressed the 
wholehearted thanks of the Cypriot people to the Ecumenical 
Patriarchate and the Archbishop for their services toward the nation 
of Cyprus. Others greeting His Eminence at the airport were 
Metropolitan Chrysostom of Kitis, Bishop Vasilios of Trimithous and 
the Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sotos Zakaios.

In response to the warm arrival ceremony at the Airport, Archbishop 
Demetrios of America commented that this visit to Cyprus is not 
simply a visit, but also a pilgrimage to the land and to the people 
who, throughout its civilization, have stood upright and have 
survived with dignity, overcoming many difficult and fearful circumstances.

His Eminence closed by stating that he looks forward to the days 
ahead in order to experience the true life of Cyprus and thanked 
again President Papadopoulos and the people of Cyprus for the warm 
welcome offered to him.

Later that evening, President Papadopoulos hosted a private dinner at 
his residence in honor of Archbishop Demetrios of America.

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