The Cyprus Animal Party announced that the Church of Cyprus will carry out a blessing of animals on October 3 on the occasion of World Animal Day, an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The blessing of animals will take place at 4pm in the courtyard of the Panagia Patanassi church in Limassol. The event was organised by the Bishop of Limassol Athanasios.

“The purpose of the event, apart from being a reminder of the important role of pets in our lives, is to bless all the animals suffering on the planet and those who need our help,” the Animal Party’s announcement said.

“His Eminence Bishop Athanasios, after a brief reference to passages from the Bible concerning animals, will give his blessing to everyone’s pets, who are real members of our families.

“Therefore, we invite you all to come along with your pets, whether they be cats, dogs, birds, lizards, spiders, hamsters or fish… as long as they are in the water!”

The announcement finally called on people wishing for their pets to be blessed to bring bags to the event in order to collect any waste.