Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

“The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne he observes all who live on the earth.” (Psalm 33:13-14)

On July 20, 1974, the island of Cyprus was invaded by Turkish forces bringing about destruction, persecution, loss of homes and livelihood, loss of lives and driving many into lives in exile. Fifty-one years later, Cyprus still remains a divided country and aggressive actions by Turkey persist.

As you gather in church on Sunday, July 20, 2025, I ask that each parish in our Metropolis offer a Memorial Service for all those who lost their lives in the Turkish invasion of Cyprus as well as those who have died in the ensuing years, yearning for their homeland.

Let us also be mindful of those who are still suffering in Northern Cyprus as we pray to the Lord to grant them peace, justice and mercy along with our unceasing commitment for a just and viable resolution to this injustice.

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco