Paphos marked Greece’s March 25th Independence Day with grandeur, as students, war veterans, National Guard units and members of various organisations took part in a celebratory parade along Griva Digeni avenue, accompanied by a marching band.

A large crowd gathered to watch the parade, with Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades attending on behalf of the government.

The celebrations began with a church service at St Theodoros Cathedral, officiated by the Bishop of Paphos, Tychikos. The keynote address was delivered by former House president Yiannakis Omirou, who described the Greek revolution of 1821 as a historic moment of defiance against oppression.

He emphasised that without the national liberation struggle, Hellenism would have been reduced to a subject of historical and linguistic study rather than a thriving national entity.

Omirou further highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Cyprus, stating that honouring the struggles of the past is both a duty and a necessity. He stressed that beyond paying tribute, it is vital to draw lessons for the continuation of a struggle that, he said, remains unresolved.

Following the church service, a memorial ceremony and wreath-laying took place in the courtyard of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos.

Meanwhile, in Paralimni, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou delivered the keynote speech, reminding attendees that March 25 is a day celebration for both Hellenism and Orthodoxy. “Today, we celebrate both the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and the legendary beginning of the Greek Revolution of 1821,” he said.

He spoke of the bravery and unwavering faith of those who, under Ottoman rule, raised the banner of revolution at Ayia Lavra with the cry of ‘freedom or death.’

He emphasised that this was not just an armed struggle but a battle for national identity and dignity. “For four centuries, the Greek soul never yielded to subjugation. The thirst for national independence remained alive,” he noted, drawing parallels to the resilience of Cypriots throughout history.

Damianou further highlighted the contributions of Cypriots to the revolution, despite the violent repression they faced. He recalled the executions of Archbishop Kyprianos and other prominent figures by Ottoman forces, as well as the secret support provided by the island through food supplies and fighters joining the struggle on the mainland. “The heroic spirit and solidarity of the Cypriots played a role in shifting international support towards Greek independence,” he stated.

In Polis Chrysochous, the traditional church service was held at 10am at the Apostolos Andreas church. Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou represented the government and delivered the commemorative speech. A student parade followed, beginning at the church and concluding at the municipal market.

In Geroskipou, a service was held at 9am at the church of Saint Paraskevi. The speech of the day was delivered by philologist Giorgos Yiallouris, Assistant Director of Giannaki Talioti lyceum. The ceremony was attended by Geroskipou mayor Nikos Palios, members of the municipal council, school board representatives, teachers and student delegations.

The celebrations will conclude with a reception at 7pm at the Paphos National Guard club, co-hosted by the Holy Metropolis of Paphos, the National Guard and the municipality of Paphos.