Religion of Cyprus

            Cyprus was divided along ethnic lines in 1974 into a Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north after Turkey invaded following a coup aiming to unite the island with Greece. The majority of Cyprus' religion is that of Greek Orthodox Christianity.   About 74% of people in Cyprus consider themselves to be Greek Orthodox .   Since this statistic covers the whole island, and there are few Christians in the North, this means that probably 80% of people in the South are affiliated in some way with the Greek Orthodox Church.  This is part of the Eastern Orthodox communion.  The services in Ancient Greek, and are often relayed on loudspeakers outside the buildings.  People come and go as they wish- the services can last two hour or more, but it's not unusual for people to be coming and going throughout.  Men and women sit on different sides of the church.   There is also Roman Catholic Churches, Islam is the dominant religion in the North of Cyprus, there are very few Muslims in the south.  There is also Judaism and General. Cyprus has complete freedom of religion, despite Greek Orthodoxy being the majority of faith.