The US Embassy in Cyprus has strongly condemned the misuse of Saint Magar Armenian Monastery in Cyprus.
“Freedom of worship is a fundamental value, and we echo the call from religious leaders that all places of worship, in use or not, be protected against misuse, vandalism, and desecration,” Ambassador Judith Garber said in a Twitter post.
Last week, young Turks held a party in the yard of Makaravank, Cyprus, without permission.
According to the statement the live techno party was organized by an event-planning group, that apparently organizes and broadcasts electronic music events at entertainment venues, including historical and cultural locations. The event was recorded and uploaded on YouTube on 7 April 2021.
Sourp Magar is an Armenian Monastery is an 11th century Monastery founded by the Coptic Orthodox Church in memory of Saint Makarios the hermit of Alexandria.
The Monastery was transferred to the Armenian Community in Cyprus during the15th century and has belonged to and has been intrinsically linked to the community ever since.
St Magar Monastery has been left uncared for since 1974 and is in dire need of immediate protection, renovations and full restoration.
It is the most important place of worship and pilgrimage for the Armenian community of Cyprus and the only Armenian Monastery in Cyprus.
Cyprus has been occupied since the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion.
