An event devoted to the restoration of an Armenian monastic complex, which is located in the Turkish sector of Cyprus, was held on the island.

US Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig on Monday organized an event dedicated the renovation of the monastic complex, and the event brought together the Armenians, Greeks, and Turks of the island, Kibris Postasi website of Cyprus reported.

In his remarks, Ambassador Koenig noted that there is no other more important form of respect for other people than preserving their heritage.

The aforesaid Armenian monastic complex is the Surp Asdvadzadzin (St. Mary’s) Church, which was built in the 8th century. It functioned until 1963, but once the Armenians left, it was left to its fate.

The Armenian monastic complex, however, was renovated between 2006 and 2013, and by the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).