«Knowing how to lose» is a “shocking absurdity.” This was how Archimandrite Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Kyrenia, defined the title of one of the first volumes of Chiara Lubich translated into Greek, and presented to the public in Nicosia, last 31 October. Shocking and perplexing because «in life we all want to win, but in effect the life of a Christian is full of paradoxes, martyrdom and testimonials. Chiara manages, with simple words to explore this mystery and help us to live it in our daily lives.» The Metropolitan of Kyrenia sponsored the soiree for the book’s presentation, during which the Catholic-Maronite Archbishop Youssef Soueif and Fr. Dimostenis, Orthodox priest, also spoke. The Italian Ambassador to Cyprus, Guido Cerboni, was one of the 80 participants.

In their speeches, the Metropolitan and the Archbishop expressed their great joy in taking this occasion to present Cypriot branch of the Focolare Movement in a more official manner,. This joy was shared by many others who had already known the Focolari for years. Retracing the historical developments of the encounter between Pope Paul and Athenagoras revived in all, a new awareness of the path undertaken by the Christian Churches towards a visible unity.

«Chiara’s message is an encouragement to the world which tends to withdraw into itself, Archbishop Youssef Soueif stressed. She calls attention to a unity which strengthens the determination to open up to one another… for us here in Cyprus, the appeal to unity is a common responsibility.» And in a personal conversation, concluded the evening saying, «Your charism brings an internal attitude of going towards the others, a dialogue which we urgently need today, here in the Middle East.» He considered this encounter a symbolic step towards communion between the two churches: «we really need events like this!»

Florence Gillet gave a much appreciated speech on the close relationship between the thoughts of Chiara Lubich and the valuable teachings of the Fathers of the Eastern Church.

A particularly touching moment occurred when Lina, a Cypriot who for many years has lead the small Focolare community on the Island, related her experience. Through the charism of unity, she rediscovered God who is love and a Father, and this pushed her to deepen her knowledge of her Greek-Orthodox Church, and return to the sacraments. “By living the Gospel I found a new relationship with the Fathers of the Church and their teachings, which I knew little about. But I found myself experiencing what St. John Chrysostom says: “When I see my brother, I see my God.”