Cyprus-Forum.com

[joe]

Turks expel Cyprus abbot from historical monastery
http://www.financialmirror.com/more_new ... t=Politics

10/08/2007

At the time that religious freedom is preached by Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan, the Turkish occupation forces brutally expelled the abbot of the oldest Greek Cypriot Orthodox monastery this week.

Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas condemned Thursday the expulsion of the abbot of the monastery of Apostolos Varnavas (Saint Barnabas) in the northern occupied part of Cyprus in the middle of a church service.

“Unfortunately this is not the first time that such phenomena take place. Needless to say that we condemn such behaviour which does not contribute to the creation of a positive climate between the two communities,” Cyprus government spokesman Vassilis Palmas said.

On the contrary, Palmas added, it creates tension and raises suspicion, sentiments which do not help at all the effort to build a positive climate with regard to the Cyprus problem.
Apostolos Varnavas is the founder of the autonomous Church of Cyprus. The monastery bearing his name is situated outside the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, under Turkish military control since the 1974 invasion.

Earlier this week, the Cyprus government allowed for the smooth passage of hundred of Turkish Cypriots from the occupied north to an outpost on the north western coast of the island to commemorate the battles between Greek and Turkish Cypriots 43 years ago.

[Chimera]

Well, I am flabbergasted and outraged.

How dare they, the heathen Huns.

Will their attempts to prove beyond doubt they are the bully-boys of the world never end.

What could they possibly hope to gain by such action?
Are they going to go around and kick the chairs from under the old folk in the kafenia next to show how tough they are?

Methinks there's trouble afoot. Turkey is feeling neglected and ignored and it's doing anything to get noticed. Quick somebody, give them a pacifier to suck on.

[Plato]

Disappointing to say the least.

[bigOz]

Well, I am flabbergasted and outraged.

How dare they, the heathen Huns.

Will their attempts to prove beyond doubt they are the bully-boys of the world never end.

What could they possibly hope to gain by such action?
Are they going to go around and kick the chairs from under the old folk in the kafenia next to show how tough they are?

Methinks there's trouble afoot. Turkey is feeling neglected and ignored and it's doing anything to get noticed. Quick somebody, give them a pacifier to suck on.

I am sure this news was the headlines in all the European papers, and Turkey was very successful in attracting attention! Your evaluations are comical.

I read the news which seems a little "iffy" to me! It is not clear exactly where this church is. It sounded as if it was within a military controlled area. If that's the case, did this priest seek permission from the authorities to carry out a service?

What would the GC national guard do if they caught dozen muslims praying to Allah in a military controlled area. And if it was not a military controlled area, it still sounds too odd to believe. There are churches in TRNC where many Christians worship without any interference by anyone. Is there another media report on this with more details please? I am genuinely interested in finding out more.

As for TCs being "allowed a smooth passage" to commemorate Erenkoy (Kokkina) deaths, just in case you did not know, the same ceremonies have been taking place for the past 40 years with people gathering there from North Cyprus. They made the short trip from Guzelyurt (Omorfo) bay using boats!

[Simon]

I am not surprised by anything the barbarian invader does anymore. Turkey is an absolute disgrace.

[Chimera]

I am sure this news was the headlines in all the European papers, and Turkey was very successful in attracting attention! Your evaluations are comical.

Is there another media report on this with more details please? I am genuinely interested in finding out more.

Well Big Oz.
Are you saying you have trouble finding out more on this article?
Poor attempt at satire.
Maybe everyone is fed up reporting "more of the same" from Turkey.

They are an old cliche now

[bigOz]

I am sure this news was the headlines in all the European papers, and Turkey was very successful in attracting attention! Your evaluations are comical.

Is there another media report on this with more details please? I am genuinely interested in finding out more.

Well Big Oz.
Are you saying you have trouble finding out more on this article?
Poor attempt at satire.
Maybe everyone is fed up reporting "more of the same" from Turkey.

They are an old cliche now

Well Chimera,
your reply was no help!
You are expressing opinions instead of facts after I've asked a question in an attempt to find out what exactly happened. The news quoted seems to lack any detail.

In any case, many decades I spend coming and going to UK I have not noticed any headlines showing "more of the same in Turkey". Perhaps you know something I do not, I would be grateful if you share it with me by quoting the headlines you've seen in any European press! Since when has it become a crime to learn something?

[joe]

Well, I am flabbergasted and outraged.

How dare they, the heathen Huns.

Will their attempts to prove beyond doubt they are the bully-boys of the world never end.

What could they possibly hope to gain by such action?
Are they going to go around and kick the chairs from under the old folk in the kafenia next to show how tough they are?

Methinks there's trouble afoot. Turkey is feeling neglected and ignored and it's doing anything to get noticed. Quick somebody, give them a pacifier to suck on.

I am sure this news was the headlines in all the European papers, and Turkey was very successful in attracting attention! Your evaluations are comical.

I read the news which seems a little "iffy" to me! It is not clear exactly where this church is. It sounded as if it was within a military controlled area. If that's the case, did this priest seek permission from the authorities to carry out a service?

What would the GC national guard do if they caught dozen muslims praying to Allah in a military controlled area. And if it was not a military controlled area, it still sounds too odd to believe. There are churches in TRNC where many Christians worship without any interference by anyone. Is there another media report on this with more details please? I am genuinely interested in finding out more.

Iffy? Is it really odd to believe? After all the destruction of Christian shrines in the North? Hmm, you wanted more information, why i am more then happy to oblige. Ohh, still seem a little iffy? Yea, open your eyes and read the relevant UN resolutions on Christian worship places in the occupied areas.... but you may not like what you see!

From the Cyprus Mail:
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.ph ... 7&cat_id=1
Abbot expelled from monastery in north

A GREEK- Cypriot spokesman condemned the expulsion of an Abbot from a monastery in the north yesterday.

Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas denounced the expulsion of an Abbot by Turkish- Cypriot police during yesterday’s church service. The monastery carries the name of Apostle Varnavas who is the founder of the autocephalous Church of Cyprus.
“Unfortunately this is not the first time that such phenomena take place. Needless to say that we condemn such behaviour which does not contribute to the creation of a positive climate between the two communities,” Palmas criticized. He added that such events create tension and raise suspicion, sentiments that do not at all help the effort to build a positive climate with regard to the Cyprus problem.

The Monastery of Apostle Varnavas is situated outside Famagusta on the north side of the island.

Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2007

[Pyrpolizer]

BigOz,

We don't have military areas. We have army camps only. If there is a building outside the Army camp then that's not military area. So if there were a mosque outside an army camp then surely the national guard could do nothing. The army camps are in remote areas anyway.

I don't think the St Varnavas church is in a military area. Most propably the priest has not applied for licence. In what country of the world do priests require a licence to ceremon in their own churches though?

[T_C]

I dont know what they were thinking but thats terrible