Archbishop Chrysostomos turned 81 on Sunday saying that his health was stable “with the help of God, and his doctors”.

During the day the archbishop, who has been diagnosed with cancer and has been getting treatment in Cyprus and abroad, received well wishers at the archbisopric in Nicosia.

“Today, those of you here, the doctors, the priests, the relatives and the friends, you are the people who have been with me all these years in my ordeal,” he said.

“Every time I go to the oncology centre for treatment, I feel beautiful inside, because I am given the opportunity to say a few words to my fellow sufferers so that they are not discouraged and afraid of the disease, but face it with faith in God, patience and courage”.

Health Minister, Michalis Hadjipantelas, who was among the guests, expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the archbishop and said he hoped God would give him many more years.

House President Annita Demetriou also briefly visited to pay her respects.