Amid the war in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to reach a bizonal solution to the Cyprus problem – which he said he opposes – Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios has urged voters to approach the May 24 parliamentary elections with a sense of responsibility rather than protest.

“Aware of the critical nature of the times, as regards the course of our national issue, we address a pastoral appeal to all: by exercising, in a few days, the sacred right to vote, let us not demonstrate political immaturity. Let any protest vote become a vote for the best, and not for those who lack political education and are indifferent to social problems,” he said in his Easter message.

Georgios stressed that “our duty requires us to consider the functioning of institutions and the survival of the homeland even after the elections – and also how those from whom we seek support in our national struggle will evaluate us.”

“Injustice cannot prevail forever, and let this be our answer to those who have lost courage and hope, to those carried away by the enemy’s propaganda and who speak of ‘realities’ – of bizonal realities, of the effective denial of our land,” he added.

He also emphasised the need for “unity and consensus of all Greeks, of the entire nation”, and welcomed the arrival in Cyprus of two Greek frigates and four warplanes amid the Middle East crisis.

Cyprus’ historical path, he said, bears similarities to the Passion of Christ, and it is through resilience that “the Resurrection of Christ has taken on national significance for us Greeks.”

“On this day of the triumph of life over death, we pray from the bottom of our hearts that wars and the deaths of innocent people in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and throughout the world will cease. May peace and justice prevail everywhere,” he added.

The archbishop also expressed sympathy and support for farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The message will be read out by priests following the Easter liturgy.