Kyrenia: The Municipality of Kyrenia, led by Mayor Iosif Violaris, has voiced strong condemnation of the vandalism at the Agios Fanourios cave located in the Turkish-occupied Agios Georgios village within the Kyrenia district. The Mayor has called upon the Government of Cyprus to actively pursue an investigation into the incident.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Violaris expressed his disapproval of the vandalism, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Greek Cypriots who recently visited the Church of Agios Fanourios reported their dismay to CNA upon witnessing the desecrated state of the cave, which they regarded as a grave affront to the Orthodox faith and the memory of Agios Fanourios.
Reports indicate that the cave beneath the church, traditionally believed to be the burial site of the saint’s horse, has been subjected to acts of vandalism and possibly illegal activities. Photographic evidence revealed sacred icons discarded and damaged, used condoms littering the floor, walls defaced with graffiti, and signs of drug use inside the cave.
Mayor Violaris urged the government in the Republic’s free areas to apply pressure on the occupying “authorities” to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated. Commenting on the broader situation in Kyrenia, he lamented the transformation of the city, noting the demolition of buildings and the rise of high-rise apartments, which have altered its once picturesque character.
He highlighted that the Church of Archangel Michael has been converted into a museum, with the “authorities” of the illegal regime prohibiting restoration efforts. Violaris noted that apart from the port area, which remains largely unchanged, Kyrenia is now unrecognizable.
Addressing the incident at Agios Fanourios, Violaris speculated that it might have occurred in the free areas as well, but suggested it could be an organized act, potentially linked to the “capture” of five Greek Cypriots, perceived as retaliation for Simon Aykut’s situation.
On August 27, Agios Fanourios’ feast day, refugees from Agios Georgios typically visit their occupied village for church services. Violaris speculated that the vandalism might serve as a pretext to deter such visits this year.
The illegal “arrest” of five Greek Cypriots, all over 60, on July 19 near Turkish-occupied Trikomo has prompted the Cyprus Government to raise the issue with international bodies, labeling it as an abduction of citizens by the “authorities” in the Turkish-occupied areas.
Israeli property developer Simon Aykut remains in custody, accused of developing and selling property on Greek Cypriot land in the Turkish-occupied north since last year.