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Eastern Christianity
Orthodox Church of Cyprus
| Doctrines | On all major issues, the
Orthodox Church of Cyprus is in agreement with other Eastern Orthodox
Churches. (See Eastern Orthodoxy.)
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| History | The Orthodox Church of
Cyprus is one of the oldest autocephalous churches in the eastern
communion. Its independence was first recognised by the Council of
Ephesus (431) and reaffirmed by the Council of Trullo (692). In spite of
occupation by the French (1191-1489), the Venetians (1489-1571), and the
Ottomans (1571-1832), the Church of Cyprus has always remained
independent. This independence has enabled it to play an important role in
the political life of the island. The church was active in the war of
independence against the Turks. During the period of British control
(1878-1958) the Cypriot church was at the forefront of the movement
seeking union with Greece. On attaining independence in 1960, Archbishop
Makarios was elected as head of the new republic. The tradition of
combining the offices of head of state and head of church continued until
the death of Archbishop Makarios in 1977.
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| Symbols | Festal icons, Christ as
Pantocrator, Mary as Theotokos. (See Eastern
Orthodoxy.)
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| Adherents | The church has some
442,000 members (Europa Publications Limited 1995, 1:964).
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| Headquarters/ Main Centre | Archbishop of Nova Justiniana and all Cyprus, POB
1130, Arch. Kyprianos St., Nicosia; tel., (2) 474411; fax (2) 429155.
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