Cyprus' Orthodox Church wants hand on gas

Archbishop Chrysostomos II announced plans to mortgage church assets in order to have a hand in exploitation of natural gas reserves that were found in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Speaking to the state broadcaster CyBC, he said the church was determined to become involved in all aspects of the matter from the drilling to the liquefaction. In fact, the Archbishop revealed that the church was in the process of securing a share in one of the companies currently bidding for the EEZ's blocks. "We are in contact with certain companies so we can participate as well," said the Archbishop. "The church is ready, I already have a document in front of me, we are examining it and very soon we too will ask for a share in the drilling, the supply of natural gas and even the (liquefaction) terminals." He said the church wasn't acting any differently to other Cypriots, who mortgaged their homes or plots to get a loan. "The church will be doing something similar, it will mortgage some land and get a loan, so it can join these efforts," said Chrysostomos.