Church of Cyprus Launches Island-Wide Fundraiser for Wildfire Victims
Church of Lazarus in Larnaca, Cyprus. Photo: Britannica
NICOSIA — In response to the devastating wildfires that have swept across Cyprus, the Church of Cyprus has announced a nationwide fundraising campaign to be held in all parishes on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The initiative, launched by the Holy Synod, aims to provide critical financial aid to those who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in the disaster.
The Holy Synod issued an official encyclical, read aloud during Sunday services, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with victims:
“We have all witnessed the unspeakable pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters caused by the terrible tragedy of the numerous wildfires on our island. The images we have seen are truly shocking.”
The Church emphasized the extensive scale of destruction — including loss of life, widespread property damage, and environmental devastation — and underscored the urgent need for collective action.
“As the Church and as Cypriot Greeks, we cannot and must not remain indifferent or passive in the face of this situation,” the message declared, calling on the faithful to respond with open hearts.
The Holy Synod hopes the August 3 collection will offer an opportunity for parishioners to tangibly express their support for those affected. Donations will be supplemented by contributions from the Holy Archdiocese and the island’s Metropolises.
“Please give generously to the collection plate that will soon be passed around for this cause,” the encyclical concluded. “This will be an expression of our love and care for our fellow human beings.”
The Church of Cyprus is calling for unity, prayer, and practical compassion to help rebuild the lives of those impacted by one of the island’s worst natural disasters in recent memory.
Previously, UOJ reported that the Orthodox Metropolis of Limassol in Cyprus has mobilized to provide critical relief to survivors, many of whom have lost their homes, livelihoods, and places of worship.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.