Religion in Cyprus

Religion in Cyprus is dominated by the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity, whose adherents make up 73% of the total population of the entire island. Most Greek Cypriots are members of the autocephalous Greek Orthodox 'Church of Cyprus'. Most Turkish Cypriots are officially Sunni Muslims. There are also Baháʼí, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant (including Anglican), Armenian Apostolic, and non-religious communities in 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, having achieved independence from the Patriarchate of Antioch in 431 A.D.^[4] According to tradition, the first bishops in Cyprus were the apostles Lazarus (see Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca) and Barnabas, the latter of whom is identified by the Book of Acts as a Cypriot Jew.^[5][6] The same book names Cyprus as a destination for many early Christians fleeing persecution.^{[7][better source needed]}

The Church of Cyprus recognises the seniority and prestige of the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, while retaining complete administrative autonomy under its own archbishop.^[3] Seven sacraments are recognised: baptism in infancy, followed by confirmation with consecrated oil, penance, the Eucharist, matrimony, ordination, and unction in times of sickness or when near death.^[3]

Many examples of classical Christian architecture are located in Cyprus, along with tombs said to belong to Lazarus and Barnabas. Cyprus is a place where many New Testament biblical stories took place^{[citation needed]} and several miracles are held to have been performed.^{[citation needed]}

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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.

The Catholic Church in Cyprus is part of the worldwide Catholic Church under the spiritual leadership of the Pope in Rome. According to the 2011 census, Catholics made up 2.9% of the population.^[8] A minority of Catholics in Cyprus are Maronites (adherents of one of the Eastern Rite Catholics). Of the 209,286 Cypriots counted in the 1891 census, 1,131 were Maronites.^{[citation needed]}

According to the 2011 census, Protestants made up 2% of the population of the government-controlled area.^[8]

The Church of England established a presence in Cyprus at the advent of the protectorate itself in 1878,^[9] initially under the Diocese of Gibraltar.^[10] In 1976, the Cypriot portion of the church became the Archdeaconry of Cyprus, within the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. As of 2024^[update], the jurisdiction is headed by Archdeacon Ven Christopher Futcher.^[11]

Northern Cyprus is home to a Turkish Protestant minority; the Turkish-Speaking Protestant Association (TPSA) estimates the community's numbers to be 1,000. According to the TPSA, Protestants are under continual surveillance by North Cypriot police.^[12]

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Muslims make up about 1.8% of the population of the government-controlled area and around 25% of the population of the entire island. The island was conquered by the Ottoman General Lala Mustafa Pasha from the Venetians in 1570. From then until 1878, mainland Turks came to Cyprus as soldiers and administrators. Turkish Cypriots mainly adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam.

Sufism also plays an important role. Historically, Muslims were spread over the whole of Cyprus, but since the Turkish invasion in 1974 they have lived primarily in the north. Within the north there is also a small Ahmadi community.^[13]

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)

There are about 13,280 or 1.1% Sikhs in Cyprus in 2021.^[14][15]

There were about 4,640 or 0.4% Hindus in Cyprus in 2015.^[16]

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According to the 2011 census, Buddhists made up about 1% of the population. Of these, almost none held Cypriot citizenship.^[1]

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Jewish presence in Cyprus dates back to the 3rd century BC, after settling on the island, they established trade relations with other religious groups.^[17] In 2022, there were approximately 6,000 Jewish people on the island,^[8] who were either permanent residents or citizens in Cyprus. There are active Synagogues in Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos and Ayia Napa with dedicated Rabbis to each. All religious matters are handled by the Chief Rabbinate of Cyprus, headed by Chief Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin.

Kyrenia Synagouge (Turkish: Girne Sinagogu) has been in operation since 2008 and affiliated with Chabad movement.^[18] 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.^[19]

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According to a 2011 estimate, in the Greek-Cypriot government-controlled area, 0.6% of the people consider themselves irreligious or atheist.^[20] In 2018, the Cyprus Humanist Association accused Cyprus' Ministry of Education of discrimination against atheists by promoting anti-atheist educational material through its official website.^[21] During the 37th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the International Humanist Union listed Cyprus in their list of states accused of promoting hatred against atheists and humanists.^[22]

It's neither known how many percent of the population are atheists in the Turkish-Cypriot government-controlled area nor how they are treated in the northern part of the island.

In 2023, the country was scored 4 out of 4 for religious freedom by Freedom House, a U.S. government–affiliated body.^[23]

• Religion in Northern Cyprus

• Chief Rabbinate of Cyprus
• Jewish Community of Cyprus

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