Without student parades, muted celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Greek independence began in Cyprus on Thursday with church services in all districts.

Bells rang out early it the morning from churches islandwide while wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies were held, mainly attended by local politicians and small delegations of around three students from Lyceums.

Covid restrictions were being followed with respect to the gatherings that were being held.

Various buildings began to be lit up blue from Wednesday night, which will continue into Friday in some districts.

In his message delivered across Cyprus, Greek ambassador Theocharis Lalakos said that at the time, Greece’s uprising against Turkish rule “served as an example and a beacon of hope for other enslaved peoples”.

“What happened in 1821 is considered by many historians to be an explosion. The sound of Greek weapons was heard far beyond the borders of the nation, far beyond the borders of the Ottoman Empire,” he said.

“It caused international interest and uproar. At a time when news was being transmitted by paper and by boat, the explosion of the revolution resounded throughout Europe, but also in America.”

Support came not only from European cities with a flourishing Greek element, but also in Boston, New York and Philadelphia. More people mobilised in their countries to help as much as they could: with fundraisers, with articles, with speeches, with political pressure, he added.

Lalakos also paid tribute to Cypriot Hellenism and the sacrifice Cypriots also made during 1821 such as the hanging of Archbishop Kyprianou and the beheading, in Nicosia, of the three bishops Chrysanthos, Meletiou and Lavrentiou.

“The blood was also shed by scores of Cypriot fighters in 1821, who fought wit the rebels in Greece for the freedom of Greece, thus continuing a tradition of historical solidarity between Greeks and Cypriots,” Lalakos added.

“This proud historical legacy still guides our tireless efforts today for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus after 47 years of occupation and continuous violation of the rights of the Cypriot people”.

The ambassador said Greece and Cyprus would continue to work together, with sincere will and good faith, for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, for the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a normal, functioning European state, free from foreign guarantees and occupation troops.

“Our two countries will also continue to be pillars of stability and security in the troubled region of the Eastern Mediterranean, jointly promoting cooperation with all their neighbours who share the same vision of peaceful coexistence,” Lalakos concluded.