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The 30th Anniversary General Assembly of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy (IOA) is being held in Sithonia, Halkidiki, with the main theme "30 Years of IOA: Facing new challenges - Facing new perspectives". The House of Representatives is represented by the members of the Cypriot delegation to the IOA, MPs Mr. Panicos Leonidou (leader), Mr. Efthimios Diplaros, Mr. Elias Mirianthous and Mr. Marinos Moussioutta. The opening ceremony was announced on Thursday by the Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Mr. Athanasios Bouras, representing the President of the House Mr. Constantinos Tasoulas. Moreover, yesterday, Mr Leonidou chaired a special thematic session of the IOA General Assembly on "The Role of Christian Values in Europe and the World: Convergences and Divergences."
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the IOA, Mr Leonidou highlighted the very important work carried out over many years, noting that Cyprus was one of the founding members of the IOA and actively participates in the implementation of the aims and objectives of the Assembly. The Cypriot MP stressed that Christianity has become an integral part of Cypriots over the course of two millennia and that Orthodoxy is an integral part of the history, tradition and identity of Cyprus. Leonidou criticized as unfounded and arbitrary considerations that aim to disconnect Europe from its Christian past, stressing that the Christian dimension of European affairs is documented on the basis of Europe's cultural wealth. The European Union, taking the lead in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms, Mr Leonidou pointed out, must be based on the principles and values of Orthodoxy, which are identified with the foundations of the modern rule of law and democracy. The Union must stand up against any kind of authoritarianism and revisionism, highlight the great moments of its history, while taking a critical approach to its dark periods, and maintain a constant dialogue with the historical sources of European civilisation.
Mr. Diplaros stressed the necessity of strengthening inter-religious and intra-religious dialogue in an international environment of increasing instability and uncertainty, especially in view of the war raging in the heart of Europe. He pointed out, however, that this dialogue should be based on tolerance and respect for religious diversity and human rights and universal human values, which, after all, is what Orthodoxy stands for. The Cypriot MEP said that the IOA should look into how to contribute more actively and effectively to the promotion of inter-religious dialogue, the defence of Christian values and the promotion of the contribution of the Christian tradition to the common European future. Diplaros noted that the collection of best practices in the field of Christianity, especially Orthodoxy, and their dissemination in Europe and the world, can be achieved through the use of mass media and communication, given their rapid development in recent years. In this regard, he said that in Cyprus, dialogue between religious leaders is encouraged and facilitated for religious freedom and peace in Cyprus. Such actions, which can enlighten and inspire political and religious leaders, should be given more visibility, the Cypriot MP said.
Moussiuttas noted that the Orthodox Christian tradition, with its deep-rooted history and spirituality, puts moral imperatives on the table, enriching debates and contributing to wise decision-making. We live, he said, in a time of rising inter-state conflicts and civil wars, while intolerance, extremism and prejudice threaten to erode the social fabric. The institution of the family, Moussiuttas pointed out, as an incubator of selfless love and derived values, is celebrated in all Abrahamic religions and, according to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the establishment of the family is a fundamental right. In this regard, he pointed out that, in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, States should ensure, within seven years, that everyone is provided with a legal identity, including birth registration, which gives legal status to the individual and guarantees his or her fundamental human rights from the moment of birth. Therefore, Mr. Moussiuttas stressed, the IOA can play a key role in addressing critical social issues by demonstrating due respect for family life as a basic universal human value, especially Christian and Orthodox.
Mr. Mirianthous first of all expressed his warm thanks for the Assembly's constant support and assistance to the just struggle of the Cypriot people and the efforts being made for the resumption of the talks towards a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions.
The Cypriot MP said that the longed-for Kantian "Eternal Peace" is being shaken as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a war, as he pointed out, between two founding members of the CSTO and, by extension, between two peoples with common religious and cultural traditions.
Mirianthus stressed that the IOA, based on the rich Christian heritage and the principles and values of the Orthodox tradition, should be a beacon of unity, mutual understanding and partnership among its participating States and their societies. Noting that some circles are seeking to exclude the Christian tradition from the Dialogue on the Future of Europe, Mirianthous stressed that Christianity is a fundamental pillar of European civilisation and European history. Through the initiatives undertaken by the IOA, it aims to highlight the central role of Christian principles and values, to promote peace and cooperation in the world and to put an end to the war in Ukraine, which is having devastating consequences for the country and for the whole of humanity, he concluded. Myrianthous.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives on Saturday, July 1)
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