Email Your MP
On Sunday 19th July, the Federation and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, hosted a memorial service at St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Wood Green on Sunday 19th July to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives defending Cyprus in 1974 and the island’s missing persons.
The Service was officiated by Archbishop Nikitas, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis, and was attended by diplomats from both the Cypriot High Commission and Greek Embassy, including Ambassador Yiannis Tsaousis, as well as Bambos Charalambous MP. His Excellency, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the UK, Dr Kyriacos Kouros, gave the Official Memoriam Address.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Nikitas said that “May the memory of all those who gave their lives defending Cyprus against the invasion be blessed”. He went on to say “I hope and pray that the children of Cyprus will see a free and united island”.
High Commissioner Kouros began by recalling the tragic summer of 1974 as well as the painful injustices and memories that remain 52 years later. Mr Kouros highlighted the brave family and friends who still are waiting to know what happened to their loved ones who were made missing in 1974.
The High Commissioner said that Cyprus is not asking for special treatment but only for consistency in international law. Cyprus, he said, calls for the same respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as all other nations and has remained committed to the efforts of the United Nations to reach a comprehensive solution.
Speaking about the UK Cypriot community, the High Commissioner said that it is one of the strongest assets of the Republic of Cyprus. He added that the UK Cypriot community must keep defending Cyprus’ rights and continue to teach our youth the languages, traditions and the history of the island.
Federation President Christos Karaolis also addressed the congregation, remarking on the 200,000 refugees and the thousands killed and made missing in 1974. He said “Today, in commemoration of these Cypriots, we renew and reaffirm our commitment to never stop campaigning for a free, united Cyprus and the end of the illegal Turkish occupation.”
“There is renewed momentum”, Mr Karaolis said, “in the UN peace process that makes this more important than ever.” He added “President Nikos Christodoulides and the Turkish Cypriot Leader have recently agreed to hold an enlarged 5+1 meeting, that we hope will pave the way for talks on the Cyprus issue to resume from where they stopped in Crans Montana in 2017.”
Following the event, the Greek Orthodox Community of St Barnabas hosted a reception for members of the UK Cypriot community and the Cypriot and Greek diplomatic services.