January 20, 2006

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will visit the Republic of Cyprus January 24 – 29, 2006 in response to an invitation from the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos. This is the first official visit of an Archbishop of America to Cyprus.

During his visit, Archbishop Demetrios will meet with President Papadopoulos and the presiding hierarch of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, Metropolitan Chrysostom of Paphos and other members the Holy Synod. Archbishop Demetrios is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Parliament Mr. Demetris Christofias, the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou and the Minister of Education and Culture Mr. Pefkios Georgiades.

Archbishop Demetrios of America will also meet with the US Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald Schlicher and in a separate meeting with the Ambassador of Greece to Cyprus Demetrios Rallis.

Other scheduled events include a visit to philanthropic institutions, the imprisoned graves of those fallen for Cypriot Independence and the PanCyprian High School. Archbishop Demetrios will also present a lecture at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia.

On Friday, January 27, Archbishop Demetrios will meet with the Mayor of Nicosia Mr. Michael Zampelas who will offer His Eminence the gold key of the capital city. Mayor Zampelas will then escort Archbishop Demetrios to the Green Line , which separates the heart of the city in two. Nicosia is the last divided capital in Europe.

On Saturday, January 28, Archbishop Demetrios will visit the grave of Archbishop Makarios III, the first leader of the Republic of Cyprus, where he will offer a Trisagion Service and place a memorial wreath.

On Sunday, January 29, His Eminence will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Panagia in Pallouriotisa.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios is scheduled to return to the United States on Monday, January 30.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America