Cyprus Religion

Cyprus Religion

Cyprus is the not only the melting pot of people of different colors but of different beliefs and faiths as well. Cyprus religion is thus one that is rich and varied. The republic or the southern part that is inhabited with Greek Cypriots who are followers of the Greek Orthodox Church. On the other hand the northern region of Cyprus, which is occupied by only 18% of Turkish Cypriots are believers of the Islam faith. The remaining 4% of the country's total population are advocates of other religion namely: Roman or Latin Christians, Anglicans, Maronites, Jews, Armenian Orthodox, and Greek Evangelics.

There is no known ethnic Cyprus religion, thus most of the known Cyprus religion is borrowed from the peoples who have set foot in the country. Greek Orthodoxy, which means to the Greek Cypriots as "the right belief", being one of the most prominent Cyprus religions does not believe in the power of the pope of the Roman Catholic faith. For the Greek Cypriots they only follow the leadership of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

They also only believe in the so-called Apostolic Succession. The teachings of which have come from Saint Barnabas, Saul who later became popularly known as Paul, and Mark that rose to prominence sometime in 45 AD. The Greek Orthodoxy in Cyprus has come from its openly respected mother Greece. When the Greek travelers and missionaries have settled in the country more particularly in the southern part, they also brought with them the Greek Orthodox belief. The number of Greek Orthodox monasteries that were built all throughout Cyprus can prove this.

Islam, specifically the Sunni might just be small in number as compared to the Greek Orthodoxy, nevertheless it is the second larges Cyprus religion. Turk traders and warriors brought who decided to permanently settle in the island brought this religion along with them. This religion is mostly practiced in the northern part of the country. Mosques are also dotting mostly in the north.

With the division of the north and the south of Cyprus through the world renowned Green Line a truce has been implemented to allow the Greek Cypriots to visit the monasteries in the north of Cyprus for worship and other religious activity. In the same manner the Turkish Cypriots are also granted access to visit the mosque located in the south especially during holy days of Islam.

Though some of the other religions in Cyprus are considered minorities they still form part as integral body of Cyprus religion as a whole. This is one reason that has truly made island in the Mediterranean truly unique and distinct.