On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the faithful of Lefkosha, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Lefke gathered at the Church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Kyrenia to celebrate the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord and the Closing of the Jubilee Year.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Msgr. Bruno Varriano, and in the presence of Fr. Andrew Arhin, OFM, who participated in the celebration
During the Holy Mass, Msgr. Varriano reflected on the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Church of Cyprus, reminding the faithful that although the Jubilee has officially ended, hope must continue. He emphasized that the Church is called not to close its doors but to open them wider, remaining welcoming, forgiving, and missionary, with confidence that God never abandons His people. Special attention was given to young people, who are not only the future but also the present of the Church.
The homily also acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by Cyprus, including occupation, migration, and the suffering of refugees. Msgr. Varriano underlined that the Jubilee has renewed the Church’s commitment to respond to these realities with mercy, solidarity, and peace. The Catholic Church in Cyprus, Latin and Maronite, reaffirmed its mission to stand close to those who suffer and to proclaim that peace is possible and that mercy is stronger than sin.
Reflecting on the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, the homily highlighted God’s closeness to humanity. Jesus’ baptism reveals a God who enters human history, shares in human fragility, and remains near to all who seek forgiveness and renewal.
The celebration concluded with an invitation to remember one’s own baptism and to continue living as witnesses of hope, guided by the Holy Spirit in faith and love.
