Religion in Cyprus
Religion in
Christianity
Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus
The largest and most important church in Cyprus, the Church of Cyprus, is an autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church within the Orthodox tradition using the Greek liturgy.[3] It is one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox autocephalous churches, achieving independence from the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East in 431 A.D.[4] The bishop of the ancient capital, constituted metropolitan by Emperor Zeno, with the title archbishop.[citation needed] The first Bishops that held Christian ministries in Cyprus were Apostle Lazarus (Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca), and Apostle Barnabas (Barnabas) (who was originally from Cyprus[5]) and the island became the destination for many of the first Christians after the resurrection of Christ.[6]
The Church of Cyprus recognizes the seniority and prestige of the ecumenical
Many Classical Christian architecture and buildings are located in Cyprus; along with the former tomb of Apostle Lazarus and tomb of Apostle Barnabas. Cyprus is the place where many New Testament biblical stories took place, Christian miracles were performed and where the Apostles established their first churches.
Armenian Church in Cyprus
The presence of Armenians in Cyprus dates back to 578. Currently, Armenian-Cypriots maintain a notable presence of about 3,500 persons, mainly inhabiting the urban areas of Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol. Recently, some Armenian immigrants have settled Paphos.
The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus has had a continuous presence on the island since its establishment in 973 by Catholicos Khatchig I.
Catholic Church
The
Protestantism
After the arrival of the British,[8] The Anglican Church of Cyprus was established in 1878. As of 1976, it falls under the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. With regard to Northern Cyprus, Anglican Church of Cyprus was established in 1878.
The community numbered around 500 people in 2009, and could be found living throughout northern Cyprus.[9] According to the 2011 census, Protestants made up 2% of the population.[7]
Islam
Sufism also plays an important role. Historically, Muslims were spread over the whole of Cyprus, but since 1974 they have lived primarily in the north after the Turkish invasion. The Ahmadiyya community has a presence in the north.[10]
Several important Islamic shrines and landmarks exist on the island, including:
- The Arabahmet Mosque in Nicosia(built in the 16th century)
- The Hala Sultan Tekke/Umm Haram Mosque in Larnaca (built in the 18th century)
Sikhism
There are about 13,280 or 1.1% Sikhs in Cyprus in 2021.[11][12]
Hinduism
There were about 4,640 or 0.4% Hindus in Cyprus in 2015.[13]
Buddhism
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2015) |
According to the 2011 census, Buddhists made up about 1% of the population.[7]
Judaism
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2008) |
Jewish presence in Cyprus dates back to the 3rd century BC, after settling on the island, they established trade relations with other religious groups.
Kyrenia Synagouge (Turkish: Girne Sinagogu) has been in operation since 2008 and affiliated with Chabad movement.[15] The synagogue functions as a Chabad house and the rabbi is the Chaim Hillel Azimov. In 2023 Azimov left Northern Cyprus due to fear of possible antisemitic attacks after the Hamas-Israel war.[16]
Atheism
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2015) |
According to a 2011 estimate, in the Greek-Cypriot government-controlled area, 0.6% of the people consider themselves
Freedom of religion
In 2023, the country was scored 4 out of 4 for religious freedom.[20]
See also
References
- ^ "Population census of Cyprus". Statistical Service of Cyprus. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
- ^ Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project: Cyprus. Pew Research Center. 2010.
- ^ OCLC 27014039. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.)
{{cite encyclopedia}}
: CS1 maint: postscript (link - ^ World Council of Churches website, Church of Cyprus page
- ^ Bible Gateway website, Acts 4:36, Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”)
- ^ Bible Gateway website, Acts 11:19, Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch
- ^ a b c d US State Dept 2022 report on the Republic of Cyprus
- ISBN 978-1-59884-204-3.
- ^ "Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 09-08-05".
- ^ "Members Of The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Dr Muhammed Jalal Shams, Osman Seker, Kubilay Çil: Prisoners of conscience for their religious beliefs". Amnesty International. June 5, 2002. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
- ^ Religious freedom report. Cyprus
- ^ "National Profiles".
- ^ "Cyprus, Religion And Social Profile". thearda.com.
- ^ "Cyprus: Virtual Jewish History Tour". Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
- ^ "Girne Sinagogunda İlk Ahnasat Sefer Tora kutlaması". Şalom Gazetesi (in Turkish). Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ Bektaş, Selda (2023-11-17). "Haham Azimov Ülkeyi Terk Etti". Kıbrıslı Gazetesi (in Turkish). Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ "Middle East :: CYPRUS". CIA The World Factbook. 20 October 2021.
- ^ Evie Andreou (13 January 2018). "Humanists slam education ministry's anti-atheist teaching materials". Cyprus Mail. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
- ^ Elizabeth O'Casey (2018-03-09). "Actually, 'freedom from religion' is a human right, IHEU tells Vatican at the UN". Retrieved 23 April 2018.
- ^ Freedom House website, retrieved 2023-08-08