We bid farewell to a religious and spiritual leader, who has played a profound role in securing the Autocephalous and the autonomy of the Church of Cyprus through bold reforms he achieved, Cyprus President wrote on Saturday morning in the book of condolences for the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II.

Accompanied by members of the Council of Ministers and officials of the Presidency, President Anastasiades went to the Archbishopric where he signed the book of condolences. 

Anastasiades expressed his profound sorrow for the Archbishop's death noting that "we bid farewell to a caring religious leader who in deeds stood by those in need, who cared for the young people."

Moreover, the President said that the Archbishop was concerned about the liberation of Cyprus and the survival of the Hellenism of Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus.

He also said that the Archbishop supported the government's efforts for a state with rule of law, social justice and prosperity for its people.

Ministers and officials of the Presidency also signed the book of condolences.

The President and his escort then went to Apostle Varnavas Cathedral to attend the Archbishop's funeral