The rejection of the hierarchical appeal against the enforcement notification for the construction of a monastery in the protected area of Cape Greco in the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos was carried out by the Minister of Interior.
Consequently, the Bishopric of Constantia has two options:
Either to appeal to the judiciary, or to comply and demolish the erected building.
In the event that it chooses the judicial route, then until the case is adjudicated and a decision is issued, it cannot demolish the illegal constructions, nor can it proceed with new works.
It is reminded that the Minister of Interior, on 3/4/2024, communicated with the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos through the director of the Audit Department of the Church, Yiannis Charilaou, and there was a commitment from the Bishopric to proceed with the demolition of the building and the restoration of the area in case the hierarchical appeal is rejected.
However, the next day, in a letter to the Municipality of Ayia Napa dated 4/4/2024, the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos claimed that if the hierarchical appeal is not approved, then he will proceed with filing an appeal to the Administrative Court.
It is noted that the Minister of Interior assured bishop Vasilios that he would consider any request from the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos for the exchange of a piece/pieces of church land within the protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network Special Conservation Area and Cape Greco Special Protection Area, with another piece/pieces in Ayia Napa, where the monastery in question could be erected.
In such a case, the monastery of Saint Ephraim and Saint Catherine could be erected at another location that meets the needs of the Bishopric of Constantia, while also protecting the natural environment of the area.
It is emphasized that in the event the Bishopric proceeds with the rectification of the illegalities, it will follow the terms for the execution of demolition works and the implementation of restoration measures, as set by the Environmental Authority after a meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee.
