The Church of Cyprus signed an agreement on Monday for the purchase of 15 buses, which will be donated to the National Guard for the transport of conscript and contract soldiers.
The agreement was signed at the Archbishopric by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and a representative of the contractor company. National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou also attended the ceremony.
Archbishop Georgios said the Church of Cyprus supports the National Guard “within its capabilities”, adding that the Orthodox Church has always blessed defensive and liberation struggles.
He said the donation followed a decision by the Holy Synod, noting that the Church would have wished to be in a stronger financial position to cover further needs.
Palmas thanked the Archbishop for his continued interest in issues concerning the National Guard and the Ministry of Defence.
He said the 15 buses would be used for the safe transport of contract and conscript soldiers to their units, adding that the ministry would continue efforts to strengthen Cyprus’s defence capability “for as long as the occupation continues and Turkish troops remain in the northern part of our country”.
The Archbishop responded: “We have no doubt.”
Source: CNA