The coffin bearing the body of former President of the Republic of Cyprus, George Vassiliou, arrived at the Church of Agia Sophia of God’s Wisdom in Strovolos at 11:05 on Saturday, carried on a gun carriage. Mr Vassiliou passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94.
The funeral is being held at public expense, with honours accorded to a serving President.
Upon the arrival of the cortege at the church, the Police Philharmonic Orchestra played funeral marches, while a military guard rendered honours. This was followed by the playing of the National Anthem.
The coffin, draped in the flag of the Republic of Cyprus, was borne by eight military police officers and accompanied by senior officers. Walking behind were his wife, Androulla Vassiliou, visibly moved, along with other members of the late President’s family. The coffin was then placed inside the church.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat also paid their respects.
The Greek Government is being represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, who will also deliver a eulogy. Eulogies will additionally be delivered by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides; the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Tasos Christofides; Michalis Papapetrou on behalf of his former associates; and his son, Evelthon Vassiliou. Burial will take place at Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery, accompanied by a gun salute.
“He loved people”
At the Church of Agia Sophia, where the former President’s body lay in state yesterday, his wife Androulla Vassiliou visited on Friday morning, accompanied by their three children. Speaking to reporters, she said among other things:
“I lost a man in the fullest sense of the word. He loved people. Sometimes I used to tell him, ‘George, be more careful, more selective.’ And he would reply, ‘No, to me, I see everyone as good.’ Because that was who he was. He was good to everyone, he loved people and he loved his country. Very much.”
Referring to his legacy, she said: “He consolidated democracy,” adding that Cyprus would have been a different country had he served a second term as President.
