In an atmosphere of profound grief, mourners gathered on Saturday morning at the church of Saint Nicholas in Limassol for the funeral of four victims from a family of five who died in last week’s devastating house fire.

Relatives, friends and officials paid their final respects to 33-year-old Maria Georgiou and her three young children, eight-year-old Angelina, three-year-old Melina, and two-year-old Angelos Michael, who were laid to rest in white coffins. The family’s father, 35-year-old Bassem Adeeb Gamil Takla, will be laid to rest in his native Egypt, under his relatives’ wishes.

The funeral was attended by the justice minister, the secretary-general of Akel, the president of the Limassol bar association, the mayor of Limassol, representatives of the Limassol police department, members of the House and local officials. Their presence reflected the widespread sorrow that has gripped the community since the fire.

Delivering a eulogy, Mary Drousioti, director of “To Kryfo Scholeio,” the all-day primary school and nursery attended by the children, spoke of the deep tragedy that had unfolded.

“We stand before the heartbreaking reality of a five-member family wiped out in mere moments,” she said.

She described Maria and Bassem as devoted parents who worked tirelessly to give their children the best life possible.

“A beautiful family, two young parents, and three little angels snuffed out like flames before they had the chance to warm the world with their love. And yet, they touched our souls before they left,” she said.

Maria’s brother, Savvas Georgiou, offered a tearful farewell on behalf of the family, struggling to find meaning in the loss.

“They were a gift to our lives, and no matter how hard we try to understand why this tragedy happened, no one can comprehend God’s will in calling them home,” he said.

“Our hearts and souls ache from the loss, but we will never forget the kindness and love they shared with us.”

His voice breaking, he vowed that their memory would never fade. “As long as we live, we will honour them, keep them in our hearts forever, and pray for their eternal peace,” he said.

The service was led by Bishop Nikolaos of Amathounta, who acknowledged the limits of human words in the face of such sorrow.

He prayed for the bereaved family to find strength and for the departed to rest in paradise.

Following the funeral, Maria and her children were buried at the Sfalaggiotissa Cemetery.

As the investigation into the fire continues, Limassol remains in mourning, united in grief but also in the shared hope that the victims’ memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved them.