Religion in Cyprus

Religion in Cyprus is dominated by the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity, whose adherents make up 73% of the total population of the entire island. Most Greek Cypriots are members of the autocephalous Greek Orthodox 'Church of Cyprus'. Most Turkish Cypriots are officially Sunni Muslims. There are also Baháʼí, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant (including Anglican), Armenian Apostolic, Sikh and non-religious communities in Cyprus.

Cyprus is a place where many New Testament biblical stories took place, mainly told in the Book of Acts, a few years after the Crucifixion of Jesus.

According to tradition, the first bishops in Cyprus were the apostles Lazarus (see Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca) and Barnabas, the latter of whom is identified by the Book of Acts as a Cypriot Jew. The same book names Cyprus as a destination for many early Christians fleeing persecution.^{[better source needed]}

The largest and most important church in Cyprus, the Church of Cyprus, is an autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church within the Orthodox tradition using the Greek liturgy. It is one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox autocephalous churches, having achieved independence from the Patriarchate of Antioch in 431 AD.

The Church of Cyprus recognises the seniority and prestige of the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, while retaining complete administrative autonomy under its own archbishop. Seven sacraments are recognised: baptism in infancy, followed by confirmation with consecrated oil, penance, the Eucharist, matrimony, ordination, and unction in times of sickness or when near death.

Many examples of classical Christian architecture are located in Cyprus, along with tombs said to belong to Lazarus and Barnabas.

The presence of Armenians in Cyprus dates back to 578. Currently, Armenian-Cypriots maintain a notable presence of about 3,500 persons, mainly inhabiting the urban areas of Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol. Recently, some Armenian immigrants have settled Paphos.

The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus has had a continuous presence on the island since its establishment in 973 by Catholicos Khatchig I.