The British All Party Parliamentary Group on Cyprus British MPs lead clean up of cemeteries and churches – 30/03/2012

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David Burrowes MP – Chairman of the Cyprus All Party Parliamentary Group and the two lead member of the religious and cultural heritage sub-committee Matthew Offord MP and Jim Sheridan MP, together with Nick de Bois MP are inviting volunteers from both communities to support the clean up session of churches and cemeteries in Cyprus. The anticipated two day cleaning session will commence in the morning of the 10th May and conclude on the afternoon of the 11th May 2012.

The Archbishop Chrisostomos has asked for work to be carried out at the following sites:
St. Anastasios(2churches)- Peristerona
Archangel Michel- Pigi of Amochostos
Panagia –Genegra
St George – Genagra
Panagia – Assia
St Artemonas –Afania
Cemetery of village Pigi (Amochostos)
Cemetery of village Genagra
Cemetery of village Assia

Turkish Cypriots have also asked the Cyprus APPG Members to visit cemeteries in the following villages:

Kivisili
Dromolaxia
Kala Chorio
Skarinou
Kofinou
Kotsiatis

David Burrowes MP said “When I last visited Cyprus with Nick de Bois in November I was appalled by the condition of the churches and cemeteries which I visited. I resolved to do something practical about it and return with volunteers to clean up and restore some respect to religious and cultural heritage and also build confidence. The aim of the visit is not to apportion blame for the past nor deal with longer term issues of restoration of heritage, but to in a measured way show some care for the sites that remain and restore some respect. We will be visiting both Christian and Muslim sites and I encourage both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to take part and support the initiative.”

If you would like to join the group of volunteers, particularly if you have a family connection to the villages please email Marina Savva the CYP-APPG Secretariat directly at marinasavva@cyprusappg.co.ukto express your interest; we have been working closely with a reputable travel agency and prepared a package deal to support volunteers wishing to participate in the clean up session.