Looted 500-year-old Orthodox icon returned to Cyprus

·

A 500-year-old Orthodox icon that was looted from a church during the Turkish Invasion in 1974 from the northern part of Cyprus has been returned and was presented to the head of the Orthodox Church in Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos.

The icon of the Enthroned Christ has been dated by the Cyprus’ Antiquities Department to around the end of the 15th century to the early 16th century, originally belonging to the 12th century Christ Antiphonitis Church near the northern coastal town of Kyrenia.

The icon was one of many artefacts that were taken and stolen from places that had been abandoned as a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974, that left people displaced from their homes and their country.

Countless icons, frescoes, mosaics and religious artifacts were stolen from churches that were abandoned as well.

Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos presented the church with the returned artefact and said that “efforts to repatriate stolen artifacts are continuing.”

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh Grammar Alumni Arthur Demetriou celebrates landmark achievement

Oakleigh Grammar Alumnus Arthur Demetriou celebrated becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to be accepted into Medicine at the UoN.

Nick Kozakis: A Greek Australian visionary shaping the world of film

Filmmaking is an art unlike any other, where directors craft stories using tools of colour, character, and creative collaboration. 

Greek pilot chases Turkish F-16 in Aegean declaring “I have him” [VIDEO]

The helicopter that was harassed contained Minister of National Defence Nikos Panagiotopoulos and General Konstantinos Floros.