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.

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.
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