Cyprus is paying its final respects to former president George Vassiliou, whose funeral is taking place on Saturday at 1pm at the church of Agia Sophia in Strovolos. The family is receiving condolences from 11.30am, with burial to follow at Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery.
On Saturday morning, the late president’s body was brought to the church on a gun carriage, accompanied by the Police Philharmonic. Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, is attending and will deliver a eulogy.
Additional eulogies will be given by President Nicos Christodoulides, University of Cyprus Rector Tasos Christofides, former collaborators’ representative Michalis Papapetrou, and Vassiliou’s son Evelthon.
The public had the chance to pay respects on Friday, when the body lay in state at the church from 10am to 5pm. Condolence books at the Presidential Palace were open for state officials from 10.30am to 12pm, and for the diplomatic corps from 12pm to 3pm.
Citizens of all ages attended, leaving flowers and writing messages. Vassiliou’s long-time driver, Averof Moritsis, described him as a “second father” and a “leader,” while others highlighted his integrity, modesty, and modernising achievements.
George Vassiliou died on Tuesday evening at the age of 94, after a two-year illness. He had been hospitalised since 6 January with a respiratory infection and passed away surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife Androula, his children Sofia, Evelthon, and Vasso, his son-in-law Kyriakos Zintilis, and his grandchildren Giorgos, Alexandros, Andreana, Savvas, and Anthea. His widow said he passed “with the concern for reunification,” noting that his vision and dedication to solving the Cyprus problem remained until the end.
The cabinet confirmed that the funeral is being held with full presidential honours. Public mourning is in effect until the end of the day, and flags on public buildings and schools are flying at half-mast. On 16 January has been declared a public holiday.
Born in Famagusta in 1931, Vassiliou studied economics in Geneva, Vienna, and Budapest, with further specialisation in London. He founded the Middle East Research Centre and several management and technology training centres, leaving a lasting impact on Cyprus’ politics, education, and international relations.
Vassiliou entered politics without party affiliation. He ran independently in the 1988 presidential election, winning the runoff against Glafcos Clerides with 51.63 per cent of the vote.
During his presidency from 1988 to 1993, he sought a fair solution to the Cyprus problem, engaging the UN, Turkish Cypriot leaders, and international governments. He also advanced economic growth, strengthened defence, modernised public administration, and founded the University of Cyprus in 1992.
In line with family wishes, donations in lieu of wreaths can be made to the Arodafnousa Palliative Care Centre, the Cyprus Kidney Patients Association, and SPAVO, the Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family.