The celebrations for the October 28th anniversary reached their peak today in Nicosia with a solemn thanksgiving service and a student parade in front of the Greek Embassy.
The service was held at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Apostle Varnavas, led by Cyprus Archbishop George. Among the attendees were President Nikos Christodoulides, Parliament Speaker Annita Demetriou, Minister of Education Athina Michaeilidou, Greek Ambassador Konstantinos Kollias, and other dignitaries.
Greek Ambassador highlights support for Cyprus solution
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Konstantinos Kollias emphasised Greece’s unwavering support for Cyprus in its efforts to end the Turkish occupation. He stated:
“Greece is a steadfast ally, a sincere and selfless supporter of Cyprus in the joint struggle to end the occupation.”
Ambassador Kollias also stressed that Greece fully backs the UN Secretary-General and the Cypriot Government’s efforts to resume negotiations from where they left off, aiming for a fair, sustainable, and functional solution based on UN resolutions, Security Council decisions, and EU principles and values.
Presidential view of parade
At 11:00 a.m., President Christodoulides and Ambassador Kollias welcomed the parade in front of the Greek Embassy. The event featured veterans, students from higher education institutions, secondary school pupils, scouts, and various associations and organizations.
During the parade, an elderly woman briefly lost consciousness and received immediate medical attention.
Remembering the Heroism of the Past
Ambassador Kollias praised the national unity of the Greek people as the greatest strength of Hellenism, noting that Greece’s support for Cyprus is continuous and unwavering. He also commemorated the 1940 “Ohi Day” (Day of No), calling October 28th a “beacon of national unity” and recalling Cyprus’s contribution to World War II, with over 20,000 Greek Cypriots serving and hundreds losing their lives on the battlefield.
“History is always useful, but it becomes invaluable when it reflects on yesterday to illuminate today,” concluded Ambassador Kollias.