Nicosia, Sep 29 (CNA) -- Archbishop Chrysostomos awarded here today Serbian Patriarch Pavlos the gold medal of Saint Barnabas, founder of the church of Cyprus, after a High Priest Holy Mass held in Nicosia by the Synods of the Patriarchate and the Church of Cyprus.

In his speech, the Primate of the Church of Cyprus called on Patriarch Pavlos to raise his voice in protest to the continuing Turkish occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus, and demand justice and the restoration of human rights of all Cypriots.

He also praised the close relations between the Churches of Serbia and Cyprus and stressed that the presence of Patriarch Pavlos is proof of the unity and brotherhood between the two Churches.

Patriarch Pavlos said both Cyprus and Serbia are struggling for their freedom and reaffirmed the support of the people of Serbia for the Church and the people of Cyprus.

He presented Archbishop Chrysostomos with an icon of Virgin Mary as a token of appreciation for the help and support the Church and the people of Cyprus have shown for the people of Serbia.