Famagusta, April 2, 2014
After a haitus of 57 years, in the part of Cyprus that was occupied by Turks in 1971, the service of the Epitaphion (Burial Shroud) will be performed on Holy Friday at St. George's Church in the city of Famagusta.
Moreover, with the permission of the Turkish authorities, now once a month Divine Liturgy will be served here on Sundays, reports Romfea.gr.
The Epitaphion service will be celebrated by Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia-Ammochostos.
St. George's Church, which dates back to the 15th century, is situated within a wall of the city's medieval fortress.
"This makes us very happy," said Metropolitan Vasilios in his interview with the Athens News Agency, as he spoke about the ongoing activities "to prepare church for the service, which will be celebrated after half century haitus."
"More than that,” the metropolitan added, “arrangement of a cross procession with the Epitaphion along the streets of Famagusta within the ramparts is currently being agreed upon."