A large gathering of Sydney’s Greek Cypriots and Greeks came together in unity at the Cenotaph in Martin Place to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus.
The anniversary was recognised on Sunday (27 July) with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony held at the Cenotaph.
A prayer was led by Father Stylianos, who represented Archbishop Makarios, before numerous diplomatic, community and political officials laid wreaths.
The events were organised by the Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee (SEKA NSW), whose co-Presidents are Dr Miranda Adamou and Chris Koulinos, in collaboration with the Cyprus Community of NSW and the Cyprus Hellene Club.
The national anthems were performed by the St George Brass Band while the Ode of Remembrance was recited by Peter Tsigounis.
The attendees also observed a one-minute silence in memory of the Australian, Cypriot and Allied soldiers who have fallen in all previous wars.
Later that Sunday, SEKA NSW held a dinner for Andreas Gregoriou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and Head of the Cypriot Presidency’s Administration, and his wife (who were also present at the events in Martin Place).
The representative of the Republic of Cyprus also met with Archbishop Makarios on Monday morning at the Archdiocese headquarters in Redfern and then visited at noon the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
Gregoriou returned to Cyprus on Monday evening, concluding his visit in Australia wherein he also attended similar anniversary events in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra.
A memorial service for the fallen was also held on Sunday morning at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern. Following the service, brief greetings were given by the dignitaries in the adjacent function room.
