Lefkoniko municipality condemns rejection of request for religious service

The Municipality of Lefkoniko has formally condemned the Turkish Cypriot authorities' decision to reject a request for a religious service at the Church of Archangel Michael. The service, which was scheduled for November 7, 2026, was blocked by the Turkish Cypriot side, with the rejection communicated to the municipality via the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

In its statement, the municipality labeled the refusal as unacceptable and a violation of the religious rights of displaced Greek Cypriots, asserting that such actions hinder reconciliation and trust-building efforts. The municipality has called upon the UN and the international community to intervene to ensure the protection of religious freedoms, citing international law and human rights conventions. The church, a 12th-century Byzantine structure, previously underwent extensive restoration in 2016 through EU funding totaling approximately €450,000.

This incident marks a recurring issue, as the municipality noted that similar requests have been rejected in the past. Currently, there is no indication of further dialogue or a reversal of this decision, as the municipality continues to advocate for the right of displaced residents to practice their faith in their ancestral homes.