Remembering Panayiotes Yiannoudes: A giant of the Cypriot Community and Greek cinema in Australia

Panayiotes (Peter) passed away on Tuesday 5th November 2024 with his family by his side.

The entire Cypriot Community mourns his passing but also celebrates his life. Panayiotis was truly a giant in the Cyprus Community and a trailblazer in bringing to millions of people Greek and other language movies in Australia.

The Cyprus Community honoured Panayiotis in July this year with an award for his lifelong achievements and service to the community including as a President of the CCMV. In his speech in accepting the award, Peter spoke of the torment he and the entire community went through in 1974 during the Turkish Invasion. His depiction of his flight to Greece in the middle of the crisis, the journey by boat from Greece to Cyprus and his visits to the refugee camps at Dasaki Achna and Kolossi in Limassol were truly moving. His descriptions of the emotion in meeting Archbishop Makarios in London and the first call by Tony Toumbourou (who was also honoured posthumously with an award by the CCMV) to Archbishop Makarios are moments in history we should never forget.

We thank God that we were able to recognise his contributions with an award before he passed away.

When Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin a few weeks ago there was a video played in the new museum honouring the achievements of Greek immigrants. That video went for 10 minutes and was the story of Panayiotes Yiannoudis. His All Holy Patriarch Bartholomew, stood transfixed watching the video from beginning to end. When I reflect on it, I think the Patriarch was blessing Panayiotis with a blessing that goes beyond our human existence.

Panayiotis, Peter, led our community in difficult times. We will miss his wisdom and his leadership. I know that when Cyprus becomes united and free he will smile from above.

As President of the CCMV and on behalf of the CCMV I pass on our condolences to his family and his many close friends.

Eternal his memory.

Αιώνια η μνήμη του.

*Theo Theophanous is the President of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria