An intense public debate, which has evolved into a sharp confrontation with sharp edges on both sides, has erupted in Kythera after the recent transfer of the Icon of Panagia Myrtidiotissa from Myrtidia to the Metropolitan Church of the Crucifix in Chora, for the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The reason for the tension is the decision not to have the Icon carry the historical necklace that traditionally accompanies it.
The issue was highlighted in a public post on social media by Mr. George Lourantos (Pierros), expressing his regret and concern for the event. Mr. Lourantos described the absence of the relic, without official and sufficient justification, as an alteration of a deeply rooted tradition that is inextricably linked to the history of the place and the living testimony of the faith of Cypriots. At the same time, he pointed out the practical difficulties created during guided tours for visitors, especially during Holy Week, as the necklace is an integral part of the historical narrative conveyed to the faithful. He concluded by calling for its reinstatement.
The post provoked immediate reactions from citizens in the comments, with the majority expressing agreement with Mr.Lourantos« positions. Several users referred to »arbitrary decisions" and lack of information, asking for explanations from those responsible. Questions about the security of the relic were also recorded, while some commentators raised questions about the responsibilities between the Church and the Domestic Property, with some others expressing fears of theft due to changing seasons.
George Megalokonomos, Deputy President and member of the Inheritance Committee, which bears the legal responsibility for the preservation of the relics, intervened in the debate with an extensive and sharp comment. Mr. Megalokonomos defended the decision, stressing that ensuring the safety of the priceless necklace is a matter of utmost responsibility. He responded to the complaints about «proof» of miracles, stating that faith is not based on jewels but is experienced.
The Deputy Chairman of the Domestic Assets Committee left heavy accusations of «hypocrisy» and petty political motives behind the protests, and made a serious complaint, implicitly linking the protests to the Commission's refusal to pay fees «in the black», without evidence and transparency. He stressed that legality is non-negotiable and, criticising the way the public debate was conducted in «internet cafés», said that for the Commission the matter was definitively closed.
Despite the statement that the matter is closed, the public reference of Mr.Megalokonomou to pressures for «black» fees has already caused new questions from users, who are asking for clarification on the content of these allegations.
The public statements of the two men follow in full.
George Lourantos
«Respect for our holy relics
With respect to the tradition and history of our land, I would like to express my regret and concern about an event that occurred this year during the transfer of the icon of Myrtidiotissa from her Monastery to the Metropolitan Church of the Crucifix in Chora, on Orthodox Sunday.
According to this ancient custom of Kythera, the icon is placed on its throne bearing the historical necklace that always accompanies it and which is associated with miracles of Myrtidiotissa and with the living testimony of the faith of the Kytherians. This year's decision not to display the necklace, without any official and sufficient justification, constitutes a distortion of an established and deeply rooted tradition.
Particularly for those of us who conduct tours, especially during Holy Week, the necklace is not just an heirloom, but an integral part of the story we convey to visitors. How can we talk about its connection to the miracles of Myrtidiotissa when it is absent? Its absence creates a gap not only aesthetically, but also meaningfully, in the narrative and in the experience of worshippers and visitors.
Customs are not details to be omitted at will. They are an integral part of the identity and spiritual life of our land. Any intervention in them must be done with absolute respect and a sense of responsibility towards the faithful and historical continuity.
We are waiting for the reintroduction of the fence to our Myrtidiotissa».
George Megalokonomos
«As Deputy Chairman and member of the Inherent Property Committee, which according to the current legislation has the responsibility for Myrtidiotissa and her sacred relics, until today I consciously avoided participating in online «cafes», where hypocrisy is often abundant and truth is often absent. However, I believe that the time has come for the masks to come off in response to this post and some comments of bottomless hypocrisy.
The safety of the historic necklace is a matter of the utmost responsibility. It is not a mere decorative element, but a relic of inestimable value, which we must preserve in every way possible. And as for the claim that its absence does not help to «prove» the miracles of the Virgin Mary, since when has the faith of Christians been based on evidence? Miracles are not confirmed by jewels, but experienced through faith. Our decisions are made with the sole purpose of protecting it, not to distort tradition.
In Kythera we all know each other. And we also all know that if the Commission had succumbed to pressure to pay fees «in the black», without evidence and without transparency, there might not be any protest today. But legitimacy is not negotiable.
As for the majority of the «likes», let's consider how many express a real interest in the tradition and how many serve petty political motives. Constant comments and alleged concerns on social media are not consistent with the ethics and attitude of a true believer, and no matter how much I am challenged, I will not respond in any other way than the proper way.
Our responsibility is to protect our sacred relics with seriousness and transparency. This is what we will continue to do, and on the basis of this decision we consider the matter to be definitively closed.».
https://archive.ph/T3oL0
