In a solemn ceremony held last Sunday, SEKA Victoria, the Justice For Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee in collaboration with the Cypriot Community ‘Apostolos Andreas’ in Sunshine, paid tribute to the struggles and sacrifices of the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) from 1955-1959.
The EOKA fighters took up arms against British Colonialism in Cyprus, paving the way for the island’s independence and democracy.
The memorial service, which took place at the Holy Temple of Apostle Andreas on St. Andrews Street in Sunshine, was officiated by Metropolitan Dervis Ezekiel, assisted by Father Evangelos.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Consul General of Greece Emmanuel Kakavelakis, the Consul of the Republic of Cyprus Stavros Nicolaou, and presidents and representatives of Cypriot and Greek organisations.
The ceremony continued with a memorial prayer at the Heroes’ monument located in the churchyard and speeches.
During the ceremony, Lambrini Lambrou-Christopher, acting as the ceremony master, addressed the heroes with the couplet, “You drink the wine of the immortals, life to you, death, immortal you shall remain.”
The sentiment in the crowd echoed the bravery and sacrifice of the EOKA fighters who fought for the freedom and honour of Cyprus.
In her welcome, the president of the Community ‘Apostolos Andreas’ Eleni Christodoulou, among other things, recalled the statement of the hero Christofis Pantelis, before the court, just before receiving his condemning sentence: “I simply did my duty as a Greek patriot for the freedom of my homeland. The struggle will be hard. The tyrant has the means and the numbers. We have the soul, and we have justice on our side.”
To which she added “We bow devoutly and deposit a sprig of basil at their graves, an incense of faith, memory, and pride in their sacrifice.”
In his speech, Kakavelakis spoke about the start of the EOKA struggle in 1955, highlighting its significance in the island’s history and its continuing relevance today as Cyprus faces challenges such as Turkish occupation.
Their struggle “ranks among the long struggles of the island for freedom. Cyprus today continues the struggle, as Attila, 50 years ago, spread his nets over the mountains of Pentadaktylos and tries to find a solution since part of it is still under Turkish occupation,” Kakavelakis said.
Taking to the podium next, Nicolaou emphasised the importance of international support for Cyprus, stating that it is not enough to be just friends but to show practical support in the face of injustice.
“We can look to the future with open eyes,” he said, adding that “Our injustice suffocates us. It is not enough for us to be just friends to them.”
President of the Cypriot Community Theo Theophanous said that “The EOKA struggle of ’55-’59, although uneven, caused greater losses to the British Colonisers.”
“That is why imprisonments, tortures, and hangings followed. Today, 50 years after the invasion, we must accelerate the talks with the Australian government and ask them to actively support Cyprus. We look forward to a free Cyprus,” he stressed.
The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony and an address by Paul Andronicos, president of SEKA, who, among other things, said: “The struggle of SEKA continues. It is a wound that must be healed.”
In attendance were also the following representatives:
From PASEKA of Australia: Mikis Yallouros; from the Cypriot Community of Northern Suburbs Giannis Christou; from the Cypriot Community of Trustees & Youth of Sunshine, Andreas Christodoulou; from the Hellenic Community of Melbourne & Victoria Spyridoula Dimitriou; from the Pontian Community of Melbourne & Victoria, Spyros Papadopoulos; from the Pan-Macedonian Federation of Melbourne & Victoria, Dimitris Ioannou; from Hellenic RSL, Konstantinos Dimaras; from the Federation of Greek Elderly of Melbourne & Victoria Christos Violaris; from the Pancyprian Association of Fighters of Cyprus EOKA 1955 – 59, Dimitris Kommodromos, and from the EOKA Fighters 1955 – 59 Kyriakos Angelis.
Members of the dance academy ‘Pegasus’ under the direction of Sotiris Soteriou were also present with their flags in traditional costumes.
Poems were recited by Andrea Dimitriou, Stelios and Maria Kakavelakis, and Maria and Sotiris Soteriou.
It is worth noting that all speakers stressed the necessity of participating in the pan-Cypriot march in the city center for Cyprus, next July.
The commemorative events ended with a meal, prepared by the always hospitable ladies of the Sunshine Community.
More photos below:
