Archbishop Makarios, the new primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, referred to the tragedy of Cyprus during the divine liturgy on 21 July at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady Theotokos in Sydney.

He said that we should not forget the injustices committed on the island. He referred with compassion to the 200,000 refugees who were forced to flee from their homeland, the 4,000 dead and the 1,619 missing people. He also commemorated the late Cypriot Archbishop Makarios III. And he urged those present not to forget the pain of the people who lost their relatives, friends, home and land.

READ MORE: Cyprus timeline of a crisis: 45 years of heartbreak

Wreath-laying ceremony at Martin Place. Photo: Romfea.gr

Cypriot President Photis Photiou, Cyprus High Commissioner in Australia Martha Mavrommati and Greek Ambassador to Australia Ekaterini Xagorari attended the mass that honoured the 45th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish military troops.

READ MORE: Turkish President Erdogan threatens Cyprus, and warns he would “take the same steps as 45 years ago”