Makarios III Elected as Archbishop of Cyprus and Ethnarch

Archbishop Makarios III was elected as both the political and spiritual leader of Cyprus following a pivotal plebiscite where an overwhelming majority of the Greek Cypriot population expressed their desire for Enosis, or union with Greece. The political climate on the island was tense, as Cyprus had been under British colonial rule, and many Greek Cypriots felt a strong cultural and historical connection to Greece. Makarios, who was already a prominent figure in the Orthodox Church, emerged as the leader capable of unifying the Greek Cypriot's twin aspirations for national independence and religious guidance. His election was backed by approximately 96% of the Greek Cypriot community, reflecting widespread support for his vision of Enosis. He leveraged his spiritual authority to galvanize the Enosis movement, which had historical roots extending back to the Greek War of Independence. The ramifications of his election were profound. British authorities viewed Makarios' dual role with suspicion, fearing it would exacerbate anti-colonial sentiment and undercut their control over the strategically important Mediterranean island. Moreover, the election had a polarizing effect on the island’s population; while Greek Cypriots largely supported Enosis, Turkish Cypriots and their leaders preferred continued association with Britain, or future partition as a safeguard against becoming a minority under Greek rule. This period marked the beginning of heightened political activism and confrontation. Archbishop Makarios III’s strategy involved both diplomatic efforts and the championing of civil movements aimed at pressuring British administration towards granting self-determination. This move ignited a complex interplay of regional politics, which saw increasing involvement from other international actors, most notably the United Nations. The election of Makarios III, therefore, was a catalyst for subsequent events that reshaped the political landscape of Cyprus. It highlighted the interplay between secular and religious leadership in nationalistic movements and underscored the complexities of colonial rule in the mid-20th century. #MoofLife #Cyprus #Enosis #MakariosIII #Colonialism #Nationalism #GreekCypriots