Greek-Cypriot worshippers in Istanbul yesterday kiss the hand of Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios in the Church of St George at the Patriarchate in the Turkish city’s Phanar district. Some 300 doctors and nurses became the first Greek Cypriots to visit the Patriarchate yesterday, two days after Ankara lifted a 40-year ban on Greek Cypriots traveling to Turkey.

In a sermon that had some of the congregation in tears, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios yesterday welcomed the first Greek Cypriots to visit Istanbul since a 40-year ban on their entering Turkey was lifted. Some 300 doctors and nurses who were attending a conference in northern Greece crossed into Turkey on Thursday and visited the Phanar yesterday.

“God has deemed it right that the doors open, that the walls fall and religions move forward toward a happier future,” Vartholomaios said. “This pilgrimage gives us hope for harmonious cooperation between Turkey and Greece as well as for Cyprus,” he said. “Turkish people are very hospitable. Don’t be afraid to come to Turkey now that the gates are open,” he added. “We congratulate all the protagonists of these positive developments, whoever they are — Christians, Muslims, Greeks, Turks — because they are the peacemakers who are building unity and peace and carrying out the work of God.”