Finnish Archbishop deplores religious destruction in the North

12/2/2010

By
Patrick Dewhurst

THE ORTHODOX Church of Finland’s Archbishop, Leo Makkinen expressed his dismay over the “regrettable and inhumane” destruction and theft of religious artefacts in the occupied area, and he called upon the international community to support Cyprus’ quest for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia yesterday, the Karelian Primate said: “If the answer (to the Cyprus problem) was easy, then we would already have found it. We have to continue to discuss the problem, work hard and maintain hope. I hope the Greek and Turkish Cypriots are not alone, but that they can get international help which is much needed.”

He added that since the problem has existed for 36 years, it is not possible to say how long it will continue.

Asked about the destruction of Greek Orthodox churches and monuments in the occupied areas, he said: “Yes I have been fully informed about this, and from what I understand the scale of destruction is quite shocking. It reminds me of the destruction in the former Yugoslavia and in Karelia. It is regrettable and inhumane.”

Regarding religious artefacts that had made their way onto the international art market, he said: “We know that they (people in the north) have stolen works of art and we are thankful that many have made their way back to the Church.”

His comments come at the end his first official visit to Cyprus as the Finnish Orthodox Archbishop, on the invitation of Cypriot Archbishop Chrysostomos. Asked about the aim of the trip Kaj Appelberg, Administrative Secretary for the Church, said “Every Head of the Church aims to visit all of the Orthodox churches. This helps to strengthen our relationships and develop our shared understanding of a quickly changing world. On a practical level it allows us to arrange visits and activities such as exchange study to our theological schools.

Archbishop Leo’s trip has included an audience with President Demetris Christofias and visits to monasteries and churches across the island. Asked what he enjoyed the most, Leo said: “I greatly enjoyed meeting Archbishop Chrysostomos and the Cypriot people, who have all been very friendly.”

Around 50,000 Finns – one percent of the population – belong to the Church, which separated from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1923, and based in the eastern Karelia area. The Finnish Orthodox Church is now an autonomous Orthodox Archbishopric of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

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