An annual meeting aimed at exchanging views on the situation of Christians around the world, and in particular in Europe, was hosted yesterday at the European Parliament in Brussels by MEP Costas Mavridis (DIKO, S&D), together with his colleague Davor Ivo Stier (Croatia, EPP), with the participation of many other MEPs from various political groups and member states. This year's meeting, which takes place once a year, was attended by 550 people, including the President of the European Parliament, MEPs and ambassadors from third countries, representatives of churches, as well as religious and political organisations from Europe, the US and other regions of the world.
During his speech, Mr. K. Mavridis referred to the persecution suffered by Christians internationally, underlining the need for immediate support and protection before it is too late. In this context, he also emphasized the cases of persecution of Christians within the European Union, with characteristic reference to the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus from 1974 until today. The Cypriot MEP highlighted the organized and ongoing destruction of Christian churches, monuments and cemeteries by the occupying forces.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Mavridis wished everyone a "Merry Christmas" in Greek, which, as he explained, "is in the language of the Gospel."
MEP Press Office
