Demo planned as anger mounts over Cyprus’ Eurovision entry

Conservative Christians, most notably the bishop of Morphou, continue to voice their concerns over Cyprus’ El Diablo Eurovision song-contest entry, while a demonstration is planned for Saturday.

The demonstration organised through social media is calling on Christians to peacefully demonstrate outside the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) on Saturday, 11am, and observe the relevant health protocols.

Meanwhile, in a wide-ranging critique, Morphou bishop Neophytos warned over a seemingly orchestrated effort from Europe to “subdue” Cyprus and spoke of vaccines, gender reassignment, demonic forces and other issues.

“Which island and which country will send to Eurovision, not a song about Christ, not about ancient Greek culture, not about the love of Aphrodite… but for us to fall in love with the devil?” he said on Sunday.

Despite the outrage, many others have ridiculed the reaction to Elena Tsagrinou’s song – pointing to it as being light-hearted and not to be taken seriously – while broadcaster CyBC has defended Cyprus’ entry.

CyBC said the song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who fell in love with a man who took advantage of her.

The song represents the age-old battle between good and evil, the broadcaster said.

But theologians said the song offended the religious feelings of a “faithful people” and at no point did it promote the country’s culture.

“Why does our small and semi-occupied Cyprus, an island visited by thousands each year who admire its religious monuments, among others, have to be represented by a song that essentially promotes satanism?”

Cyprus, however, is not alone in facing Eurovision controversies.

The song-contest has become famous for its LGBT+ friendly environment, angering ardent conservatives across the globe.

In 2018, a Chinese broadcaster’s censorship of gay-themed content shocked many as it pixelated rainbow flags and cut a performance by two male dancers portraying a gay relationship.