Cyprus was invaded by Turkish troops in 1974. Cyprus was the latest in a series of land disputes between Greece and Turkey spanning 500 years. Turkey has managed to hold onto Northern Cyprus, while Greece controls the southern part. It is an increasingly large thorn as both countries negotiate their leverage with the European Union and NATO.

Last year, a ceremony was held invoking Panagia Kykkou, the Mother of God of Cyprus. Here's the press release.

On the 8th September. 1998, with all splendour and glory, the feast day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was celebrated at the Patriarchal Church of the Annunciation in Alexandria, Egypt. His Beatitude Petros VII, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, assisted by H.E. Philemon, titular Metropolitan of Kanopou and all the clergy of Alexandria, celebrated the Great Vesper and the Divine Liturgy with the blessing of the five loaves of bread (Artoklasia).

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Panteleimon P. Lampadarios addressed the people and emphasised the important role of the Mother of God in the work of salvation. At the end of his speech, he referred to the Protector of Cyprus, Panagia of Kykkou, who, since the 11th century, has been the pride and glory of all Orthodox Christians of the island and the Defender of the Greek Nation.

"In Her we find refuge; we ask and pray that with motherly compassion and love, She will watch over our brothers, the Cypriots, and free the Great Island from the cruel and inhuman conqueror. Cyprus is Greek, and the Virgin Mary, Panagia of Kykkos, is the only Ruler of the island".

Here is a link to the the photographer, who holds all rights to this image. 

 Former Virgins